April is National Volunteer Month and what better way to show our appreciation than to highlight the amazing work of our volunteers during the pandemic. Even though it was difficult for many to stay engaged with volunteering due to policies preventing in person activities, there have been many who have consistently delivered food, collected needed supplies, and helped with projects.
NewDay USA continued to cater Mission BBQ on the first Monday of each month, which became a very special treat over summertime in 2020. Normally, the men enjoy different cookouts and BBQs prepared and served by volunteers, but with the pandemic it was not safe to do so. Church of the Nativity continued to deliver KFC chicken on the 4th Saturday of each month, a perfect comfort meal to close out each month. Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a group that has been serving at The Baltimore Station for over 20 years, continued to keep Chicken Patty Tuesdays a standing tradition. We also had groups like Fortego, A BlueHalo Company, The Baltimore Hon Hive, and The Gathering deliver delicious homemade meals or catered meals by local restaurants.
At The Baltimore Station, we like to say that no act of kindness or amount of support is too little from our volunteers. Throughout the pandemic there have been a few individuals or small groups who have really gone above and beyond for the men. Jessica Gorman, also known by the men as “dessert lady” has been baking delicious treats for the men throughout the pandemic. Ian and Julian, a team of younger volunteers also stepped up during the pandemic to continue their volunteer commitment in their final year of high school. They helped with several projects throughout 2020 and have been our go-to set of extra hands.
There are so many others who wrote letters of support to the men, donated handmade masks, and organized donation drives throughout 2020. We truly could not have made it through this crazy time without each and every volunteer. Thank you for your service to The Baltimore Station and the men we serve.