Many of our residents took the “it’s the thought that counts” statement to heart this holiday season as many people were more in need this holiday season due to the effects of COVID-19. This is evident from their donations of food, clothing, toys, bikes and handmade goods as well as helping within Miller’s Grant.
With many Marylanders lacking money to provide enough food for themselves and their families, many of our residents have been contributing to the Columbia Community Care Center and the Hampden Family Center in Baltimore. For several years, residents have collectively contributed over $1,000 each month from their dining budget to Blessings in a Backpack. With school facilities being closed during the pandemic, the food is donated to Howard County food distribution centers.
For the last five years, the Miller’s Grant’s Home Dwellers Group have provided Head Start families with clothing and toys for children and necessities for parents. One of our residents has worked with Free Bikes 4 Kids, an organization that refurbishes and checks donated bikes by Howard County residents to give to kids, who cannot afford, bikes during December. In 2019, over 500 bikes were given away; last month 846 were distributed.
The Knitting Group made hats and scarves for the military and are now knitting items for The Children’s Home, a place for homeless teenagers in Catonsville. The local Quilting Group has been making quilts for Lutheran World Relief in Baltimore; 12 quilts were recently delivered to a warehouse, which ships quilts to about twenty countries.
Numerous residents provided volunteer services at Miller’s Grant this holiday season, including:
Assisting with Employee Goody Bags
To practice COVID-19 safety standards, the Employee Appreciation Committee filled bags with candy and gingerbread cookies in lieu of the Employee Holiday Meal.
Delivering packages
Santa’s helpers delivered packages to residents throughout the buildings.
Lifting spirits
Residents shared or provided musical performances, humor and crafting activities to provide some holiday fun and joy to other residents.
Our residents are a giving and caring bunch!