Volunteer Of The Month: Linda Zahn Brings Innovation To Orphan Grain Train

I’ve always felt that giving back is really important, and this is the point in my life when I can do that best.”

Linda Zahn

For 27 years, Linda Zahn worked on behalf of the local business community as the CEO of the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce. After retiring from that role seven years ago, she took a week or two off before diving headfirst into volunteerism.

“I decided before retirement that I’d like to give back and keep busy,” Zahn recalled. “I knew Elfie Eberle from Orphan Grain Train (OGT) through the chamber, and we talked about the possibilities at OGT. The people there seemed so welcoming and dedicated to their mission.”

With 27 locations across the country, Orphan Grain Train is a Christian volunteer network that ships donated food, clothing, medical and other needed items to people in 71 countries including the U.S.

Established in 2004, OGT’s Maryland branch operates out of a 6,300-square-foot warehouse in Millersville, where donations and supplies are packaged and distributed near and far. The branch collects coats for people experiencing homelessness around Baltimore, provides aid in the wake of natural disasters including Hurricane Helene, sends solar-powered lights to people in Ukraine, provides supplies for school children in South Sudan, and so much more.

Zahn joined the OGT board of directors “right off the bat.” Over the last seven years, she has brought numerous innovative ideas to fruition while serving with OGT. She set up Constant Contact for the Maryland branch’s communications and initiated the “Good Tidings” newsletter, which provides shipment updates, lists donation needs, and spotlights one of its many volunteers each month. She also designed a new brochure for the branch.

Seeing a need for better shipping boxes for the items OGT Maryland distributes, Zahn and her husband, Steve, who also volunteers consistently at OGT, arranged with Severna Park Chick-fil-A owner Chris Schenck to do regular pickups of empty waffle fry boxes. Zahn explained that the boxes are not too heavy when packed and are the perfect size for filling pallets.

Currently OGT Maryland’s recording secretary and board member, Steve has also accomplished much for the nonprofit. Zahn explained that, at Eberle’s suggestion, Steve initiated the branch’s medical walkout program in 2018. The program offers free medical equipment to all who ask, from medical beds to wheelchairs and canes.

Zahn also started the popular food truck nights that take place on the adjacent property owned by Wayne Gerst. But she will tell you with enthusiasm that the biggest highlight of serving with OGT so far was organizing a mask-making project in 2020.

During the height of the COVID pandemic, much of the country, including the greater Severna Park area, experienced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks. Zahn knew of people within the OGT family who could sew, so she got them together, and they all got to work.

“We had nothing to do here, we couldn’t do anything, and everybody wanted to do something to help,” Zahn said of the project’s timing.

By the end of summer 2020, they produced and distributed 4,995 masks and 932 scrub caps to five area hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores, restaurants and other places that needed PPE.

“It was a great project, and it pulled a lot of people together, gave them something to do. It was my favorite thing I’ve ever done here,” Zahn shared.

Most recently, Zahn has overseen OGT Maryland’s fundraising efforts. She held their first bowling fundraiser at Severna Park Lanes in 2024, which generated over $18,000 for OGT. She and Steve also oversaw fundraising for Giving Tuesday last year; including a $10,000 matching gift from Thrivent, OGT Maryland received $42,000 in donations.

OGT Branch Manager Bruce Coonradt credited Zahn for a “banner year” of fundraising in 2024.

Irene Giguere, the branch’s administrative assistant, said of Zahn, “She is enthusiastic, caring, and willingly serves in helping positions, as well as leadership roles. We feel blessed that she is part of our OGT family.”

The sentiment is mutual. Zahn points to Eberle, Coonradt, longtime volunteer Ron Phipps and others for creating a great serving environment.

Zahn has lived in the Severna Park area for roughly four decades. She and Steve have two grown children who are local, and three grandsons.

Volunteering with Steve was a top priority for Zahn when she retired. The two even took a packed truck to deliver supplies to West Virginia together through OGT, which Zahn noted was rewarding.

“I’ve always felt that giving back is really important, and this is the point in my life when I can do that best,” she said. “I don’t regret a minute I’ve spent with Orphan Grain Train.”

Do you know of someone who resides in Severna Park, Arnold or Millersville who gives generously of their time and talents in a volunteer capacity in our community? You can nominate someone to be considered as a volunteer of the month by emailing their name and a brief description of their volunteerism to spvnews@severnaparkvoice.com.