|
|
Severna Park Assistance Networkby Ollie Wittig
Since 1990 Severna Park Assistance Network or SPAN, as it is better known, has been providing assistance to those people in our community who are facing crisis situations. Through the support of a network of 16 participating churches and the generous donations of food and funds from civic groups, local businesses and private donors, SPAN's ministry impacts families in our area who have temporary financial setbacks or who need assistance in a time of crisis.
SPAN is staffed by trained volunteers from area churches under the leadership of a director and a volunteer board. SPAN is currently operating out of the former parsonage just behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 400 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146 Hours of Operation Monday: 5:00 to 7:00 pm
The annual “food for pizza” competition between SRLC and the Severna Park Middle School Youth Rise/LEO club was ratcheted to a higher level this year. The enterprising LEOs decided to make this a school wide competition between the grades. Each grade was challenged to donate more canned or dry goods and gaily decorated collection boxes were soon all around the building. The LEO club, co-advised by Judy Crawford and Debbie Sparby, coordinated the collection effort this year. A call went out to the Lions to please come and get the food because the school was running out of room so on November 12, Lions Nancy Burns, Dick Maurer, Bill O’Neil, and Ollie Wittig arrived via truck and vans for the collection. Rain did not dampen the LEO’s enthusiasm for the project and boxes and boxes and boxes of canned and dry food filled the back of the club truck and three vans. The caravan set out for SPAN and the group, Lions, LEOs, advisors, and parents, quickly stored the food in the basement and upper level of the SPAN facility. There was hardly room to move about the office as boxes filled every nook and cranny. The food generously collected by the LEO group and the SPMS students will be distributed to needy families in time for Thanksgiving and will help to brighten this holiday for many families. The Lions conceded the victory to the LEOs and they will receive their well deserved pizza as a reward for their enthusiasm and caring.
In December we will challenge our Cub Scout pack to out-collect the Lions with the “winner” getting pizza from the “loser.” Our track record with the Cub Scouts is not good and we might have to treat them to pizza – again. SPAN is the real winner in this competition and we can take pride in this activity that will benefit many deserving families.
|
