Ten enthusiastic and energetic Assistance League of the Chesapeake members volunteered at Homeless Resource Day on October 27. This marks the eleventh year that we have participated in the event, held by the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services.

“The experience is an eye-opener and a lesson in humility and gratitude,” said AL Chesapeake coordinator Mary O’Malley.

Homeless Resource Day is an annual county event to help homeless individuals access the numerous services they need to become self-sufficient and seek permanent housing. Services that might take a homeless individual many months to obtain are provided for free in one location. Individuals can obtain a birth certificate, Social Security card, a state ID and other official documents. Families and single adults can also receive medical treatment, haircuts, housing applications. More than 500 volunteers help guide the guests through the different service areas.

Our volunteers participated by gathering and handing out winter coats, blankets, water bottles, school supplies, books and more than 1,000 pairs of socks of all sizes. Almost all of the socks were donated by members of our Assistance League chapter.

Along with Mary O’Malley, volunteering from our chapter were Elaine Atkinson, Chris Kennison, Kim Hudyma, Cindy Culp, Dottie Bartolotta, Marty Sippel, Loretta Gossett, Debbie Haavik and Chris Spain.