Volunteer Of The Month: Linda Link Serves Neighbors In Need Through My Brother’s Pantry

Arnold resident Linda Link has volunteered with My Brother’s Pantry through her faith community for nearly 20 years. She recalls asking, “What more can I do?” Shortly after Link retired in 2018, her question was answered when My Brother’s Pantry needed a database manager.

Since 2019, she has been responsible for client membership records. She holds a board position and is onsite at least once each month to welcome pantry clients.

My Brother’s Pantry, a food relief organization, was founded in 1986 as a consortium of 12 congregations on the Broadneck peninsula, and it is located on the campus of College Parkway Baptist Church in Arnold. Each month, one of the 12 congregations is responsible for collecting, ordering, delivering and stocking supplies for the food pantry, which is supplemented by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. At least 11 volunteers are needed when the pantry is operating, which takes place the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each month.

Link is there to welcome visitors, help check them in, and generally do whatever needs to be done.

“I probably know at least 80% of the clients by name,” Link said. On a blustery Thursday before Christmas, Link was ready to welcome the more than 100 families expected to need assistance.

“Clients come and based on the number of people in their family are given a card letting them know how many items in each category they can shop for,” Link said. “Our ‘family choice’ model ensures that families can choose from the foods they like, not simply be given a bag of items.”

Asbury United Methodist, Broadneck Baptist, Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian, Cape St. Claire United Methodist, Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian, College Parkway Baptist, Gloria Dei! Lutheran, Mariners’, St. Andrew by the Bay Roman Catholic, St. Margaret’s Episcopal and Unity by the Bay churches, along with Temple Beth Shalom, are the 12 congregations that manage My Brother’s Pantry.

“I think what really makes My Brother’s Pantry special is that we are made up of different congregations who really want to be a part of it and really want to help,” Link said, noting that about one-third of pantry clients are elderly, while others are struggling families from the congregations or peninsula communities.

Brianne, a mother of three, was the first in a growing line of clients gathering well before the pantry opened shortly before Christmas. Her partner is currently on disability, so she’s the sole provider for her family of five, with children ages 2–13.

“I live less than a mile from here, so knowing the pantry is here means that my family can actually eat,” Brianne said. “I just lost my SNAP benefits, so being able to come to the food pantry really helps me make ends meet.”

Link said that My Brother’s Pantry is looking to see how they can expand and serve more people.

“There is so much need in this area and more that can be done,” she said. “But the good news is that people really care in this community.”

In addition to the collection sites at the affiliated churches and temple, food donations can be left at Graul’s in Cape St. Claire and the Broadneck Library.

To learn more about My Brother’s Pantry, make a donation, or to volunteer, visit www.mybrotherspantry.org or call 410-757-5190.