STATION STORIES
December 2020
Funds Raised at Stars, Stripes & Chow
Help With Pandemic Expenses
Pivot proves to be the word for 2020. Pivoting in your job, how you learn, how you move through daily life, how you stay healthy and so much more. Just like all of us, the men at The Baltimore Station have had to pivot too. Their daily routine has changed. The way they receive treatment has changed. Even who they socialize with has changed since volunteers haven’t been permitted in our buildings since March 13th. But through it all, our men and staff have risen to every occasion and challenge presented to them.

Private funding is more important than ever so the TBS team had to get creative with how we host fundraisers. In November, we held our first Stars, Stripes and Chow virtual chili cook off which proved to be a huge success. Even though we were unable to see all the smiling faces of our supporters, we were still able to bring a little bit of fun to each person’s home. After purchasing a chili kit, each family was able to bring the kit to the comfort of their home to do a tasting. It was a fun, safe way to bring a little happiness in these uncertain times. The event itself was held live via Facebook with 166 viewers tuning in. The total net raised amount came to $58,000 with 87 new donors participating. Congratulations to the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) for winning Judge’s Choice and to The Nelson Family who took home TWO awards in this year’s competition-Top Fundraiser and People’s Choice. All the funds that we raised at Stars, Stripes and Chow and other events throughout the year directly impact our programs and the men that we serve. Every dollar represents one step closer for our graduates to lead a substance free life.
Keeping Our Residents Safe
Our goal from the onset of the pandemic has always been to keep our men safe and engaged in their treatment. As we enter this next wave of COVID-19 it became crystal clear that in order to protect our men and staff, we needed to temporarily relocate our operations to a nearby hotel so that each resident can have their own room and bathroom, instead of congregate living at either of our facilities. We are continuing all our programming and services including remote music therapy, journaling and art class. Our clinical team is equipped with the tools they need to remain connected and engaged with their clients but in a safe way. The hotel has allocated extra space which will also allow us to accept new referrals into our program. As COVID-19 continues to throw curve balls at us, we will be ready. After all, we cannot forget our promise to protect and serve those who have served our country – and us.
Holidays Without Volunteers
Volunteers represent so much more than just an extra hand, a home cooked meal, or a very generous donation. Volunteers are our family. Over the many years we have come to know them as a lifeline, someone to listen to our story, and someone to lift us up in times of trouble. Our volunteers have built lasting relationships with our staff and the men. Without them, we are only a fraction of our true self, and without volunteers we would not be weathering COVID-19.

The outpour of support from our volunteers has brought so many blessings. From meal drop-offs, financial donations, and participation in events to kindhearted letters of support to the men. A true silver lining in this unprecedented time, and a blessing as we enter the holiday season.

Even though this year will be drastically different from normal, with your help, we are making great strides in keeping the festive spirit alive. Our development team has received mountains of holiday letters from local schools, churches, and businesses. Those letters will be handed out to the men each week. Many of our groups are also planning homecooked holiday meals, and even catering dinners for the guys. The holiday donation drives have already kicked off and we are receiving donations of coats, toiletries, and clothing that will go a very long way towards keeping the men warm and comfortable this winter.

If you would like to know more on how you can help The Baltimore Station this holiday season, please contact Todd Troester at ttroester@baltimorestation.org.
Annual Appeal
Be sure to check your mailbox and email for our year-end appeal.

We don’t know what 2021 will bring, but we do know we will continue to need the financial support from our greater community. 100% of your donation will directly support our men, the programs they participate in and help keep them safe from COVID-19 and the dangers of life on the street.

Visit baltimorestation.org/donate for more information. Thank you for your support of The Baltimore Station and the men that we serve.
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