By Rachel S.
This past holiday season ActioNet’s Health Services Business Unit embraced the true spirit of the holidays by participating in a coat drive and a food drive benefiting the greater Baltimore community.
The coat drive initiative was held through Thanksgiving and collected almost 4 huge bins of coats, jackets, gloves, etc. The donations were collected to provide to the Be Warm Baltimore Coat Drive event, which was held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 in Baltimore City. ActioNet employees and contractors contributed to the success of the event as over 1,700 items were distributed to 113 families, 24 of which were homeless. The leftover items were distributed to local shelters; a men’s shelter on Caton Ave which serves about 150 men, transitional housing on Fallsway, and a few others. ActioNet employee, Rachel Smith initiated and organized the drive for the office. She also volunteered at the event and shared her experience stating, “The overwhelming joy and appreciation of those who received was just amazing.”
The giving didn’t stop there!
As the end of the year was approaching and the hustle and bustle of the season was in full swing, ActioNeters added some extra items to their shopping list and participated in the collection of donations for Our Daily Bread. Donations were collected through December 30, with a large emphasis of bringing an item the day of the Holiday Brunch. ActioNet employees and contractors really stepped up to the plate, and the drive was a success. The boxes of donations were delivered on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 by Aparna Srinivasan and Rachel Smith, ActioNet employees who orchestrated the collection drive. The items were part of the organizations ongoing “Wish List” which they are in need of year-round; including coffee, sugar, lunch bags, peanut butter, oatmeal, etc. The selfless contributions were graciously received and will directly support the meal services that Our Daily Bread runs every day Baltimore City.
The generosity will continue in the New Year, and we look forward to giving back with donations and our time.
About Be Warm Baltimore: Be Warm Baltimore is an annual event hosted by Epic Church. The 2015 event was held on Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m -1 p.m at The Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, 5625 O’Donnell St. Baltimore, MD 21224. Be Warm Baltimore collects gently worn or new coats, hats, and gloves for adults and children in Baltimore. Anyone within the community in need of a coat is welcome and will leave with FREE new or gently used coat. Snacks and refreshments are also provided to visitors, along with complimentary haircuts, and other donated items including various clothes, books, and toys.
For more information, please visit the web sites at: http://www.bewarmbaltimore.com/ & http://epicbaltimore.com
About Our Daily Bread: Our Daily Bread is Maryland’s hot meal program, serving more than a quarter million meals to the hungry of Baltimore City each year. They serve nutritious lunches every day of the year and breakfasts to seniors and individuals with disabilities each weekday.
For more information, please visit the web site at: http://www.bewarmbaltimore.com/
