Davis was one of about 30 homeless men who received shelter last week at Eastport United Methodist Church through the Arundel House of Hope's Winter Relief program. The church on Bay Ridge Avenue always hosts during Thanksgiving week when they can turn their empty preschool classrooms into temporary sleeping quarters.
Traditionally, they start the week with a potluck dinner where church members sit down with their homeless guests. Besides the heaping plate of home cooked food, each guest also received a new pair of warm socks.
"It means a lot," said Davis, who was participating in the program for the first time. "It shows that people really do care about people like us."
The former Glen Burnie resident said he's been out of work since the summer when he was hit by a car while riding his bike to work. "I've been struggling ever since," said Davis, 31.
David Roles, 44, has been struggling to find a job for about two years. He and others sitting around him said if it weren't for Winter Relief, they'd likely be spending the night in a tent, abandoned car or hospital emergency room.
"A lot of unfortunate things have happened. We couldn't pay the bills anymore. You'd be surprised at when you lose your job, how fast the cards start falling. Next thing you know, you're out on the street," said Roles, who is married and previously worked as a forklift operator.
Church member Michael Keller said what strikes him each year is how "extraordinarily ordinary" the homeless often are. "One of the things you can get from this is how easy it is for somebody to find themselves in these circumstances following a stroke of bad luck."
Winter Relief currently has about 50 sheltering churches and 14 more that support the program, said co-director Karen Biagiotti, who attended the potluck dinner. The program provides shelter for about 60 men and women a night from October to April and serves about 200 people each season.
Families with children are referred to Sarah's House at Fort George G. Meade, said Phil Bailey, Winter Relief program director.
Chronic homelessness is often a symptom of underlying issues, such as mental illness or substance abuse, he said. "We try to connect individually with each person who comes in. We assess their needs and try to find the appropriate resource for them."
Besides a hot meal and a place to sleep, those in Winter Relief also receive breakfast the next morning and transportation to showers and laundry facilities.
Intakes are conducted at Arundel House of Hope's Resource and Day Center at 514 North Crain Highway in Glen Burnie. The program is currently seeking volunteers to help with intakes and transportation. Those interested can call 410-863-4888 or email pbailey@arundelhoh.org.
As he finished his meal and got ready to turn in for the night, Roles said he's optimistic that one day he'll get back on his feet.
"I don't give up. I'm a survivor," he said.
The brothers of the Annapolis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi kicked off Thanksgiving week by handing out boxes of food to 10 needy families.
Each box included a turkey, canned goods, produce, bread and milk. The group received a list of beneficiaries from the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services' Holiday Sharing Program.
The fraternity has been doing charitable work in the community for the past 47 years, said member Allan Griffin.
You know the tree, but do you know the statistics?
Each Christmas, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association decorates a giant evergreen in their front yard at historic Ogle Hall, at the corner of King George Street and College Avenue.
The huge tree, strung with multicolored lights, was lit for at least the 47th time at a ceremony on Tuesday. Trivia buffs may wish to note:
The tree is a 70-foot deodar cedar that's at least 80 years old.
Its branches hold more than 1,700 colored sparkling lights.
It takes a local tree company about eight hours to arrange the lights using a cherry picker. In the past, the work was done manually.
The Alumni Association considers the decorated tree a holiday gift to Annapolis and USNA alumni, parents, midshipmen and friends, according to a press release.
This year's tree lighting event also included a toy drive for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Foundation. The All Children's Chorus of Annapolis also performed.
Hispanic students in the Goals and Grades program at Bates Middle School are selling handmade ornaments to raise money for an indoor soccer team this winter.
The Feliz Navidad ornaments in assorted sizes, shapes and colors can be purchased at the school, at 701 Chase St., or at Centro de Ayuda, 1906 Forest Dr. Suite 2B. You can also order them by calling 410-295-3434.
Local author Jane McWilliams will discuss her new critically acclaimed book "Annapolis, City on the Severn" at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Annapolis Area Library, 1410 West St.
The author will discuss her decision to write the book and how she researched the city's history at the free event, which is open to the public.
Copies of her books will be available for purchase following the program.
Midnight Madness will take place throughout downtown Annapolis Thursday and Dec. 15.
Participating shops will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight, with many offering special deals and holiday refreshments. A variety of street performers will also add to the festive atmosphere.
Besides Main Street and City Dock, don't forget to stroll along Maryland Avenue, inner West Street and State Circle in your quest for that perfect gift.
A favorite Annapolis tradition, it's sponsored by the Annapolis Business Association.
Need to jumpstart your holiday spirit? Mark your calendar for the Sons of the Severn's Annapolis Harmony Holiday concert and cocktail reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West St.
The program of traditional barbershop songs, Christmas favorites in barbershop harmony style and a bit of storytelling is sure to leave you in good cheer.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors (ages 62 and older), students and military personnel and may be purchased online at www.singannapolis.com or by calling 410-674-7165.
Also included is a post-concert reception of hors d'oeuvres, hot beverages and cookies. A cash bar will also be available.
Proceeds will benefit the group's ongoing mission to promote vocal music education in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
The award-winning chorus has been entertaining audiences and supporting local charitable projects for more than 60 years.
"Yet, despite our years of service to our community, we are still the best kept secret in town," wrote music director T.J. Barranger in an email.
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Share Annapolis news with Diane at aroundannapolis@comcast.net.
Source: http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2011/12_02-36/NBH
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