To all of our wonderful TIS supporters:
Sometimes people ask me how we are able to have so many wonderful volunteers. Please let me relay a story told to us by one of our trusted supporters. In his own words:
“It was many years ago after an unusually bad snow storm here on the Eastern Shore, I stepped out to shovel the driveway. My driveway is not short, and after one of many breaks to catch my breath, I noticed a truck with a plow just finished plowing out our neighbor. He saw me struggling with the heavy snow and asked if I needed a hand. It took a millisecond to respond, “YES…PLEASE”, and I stepped aside. In minutes this stranger finished what would have taken me a day to do, and a week to recover from! I ran inside to grab my checkbook to pay him and he refused my money. He said, “instead, write a check to the Talbot Interfaith Shelter”. I did just that, which I continue to do every year with the memory of an angel driving a snow plow in mind!
At the time, I was unfamiliar with TIS. Wanting to know a little more and to ensure yearly charitable donations were going to be used in a cost effective way, I did some homework. I found that not only is TIS a very worthy cause, but one that has diverse and collective support from many different groups in Talbot County. I was really impressed with the holistic approach to serving the homeless, beyond providing a safe, comfortable place to stay when there is an urgent need. Counseling, training, family dinners, and preparation for successful, self- supporting re-establishment in the community are the difference makers in my opinion. Attending a
recent fundraiser, I learned more about what the data is telling us about the depth of homelessness in the US and in our area. Clearly, TIS serves a very important need in our region, and one that entirely benefits our local community. Having now returned to Easton on a full time basis, I felt that more than just a yearly donation, there is an opportunity to volunteer at TIS on a regular basis. I am still learning, but what I see first hand is very compelling, as an exceptionally well run charitable organization, providing outstanding service to the community for those in need. It’s been great to meet new folks in town and become a part of this worthy cause!”
Dr. Johnson has responded to this ‘pay it forward’ request with robust assistance to TIS guests and staff. We really need your support to help us to serve more of our neighbors who are traumatized by homelessness. I pray the holidays bring you much joy, and very little stress, and that you open your hearts to give to a worthy cause, whether it is TIS or another charitable organization that helps people in need.
– Julie Lowe
