“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well
fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15-16.
Happy Helpers for the Homeless was created by Amber Coffman and her mom,
Bobbi, 14 years ago when Amber was just 10 years old! Amber was inspired by
Mother Teresa’s service to the poor. Bobbi has been a champion of support
keeping this mission going strong while Amber was away at college and now
living in California. For the past fourteen years Amber and Bobbi Coffman
have faithfully served the Glen Burnie and Baltimore poor and homeless. They
provide food, toiletries, and clothing and have additional special celebrations
throughout the year.
There has been a need for an organized effort to serve the poor and homeless
of Annapolis. To meet this need Bay Area Community Church has started an Annapolis
Chapter of Happy Helpers for the Homeless. We are serving at the Stanton Community
Center located at 92 West Washington Street, Annapolis. This center provides
recreational activities for at risk youth, and counseling, a dental and medical
clinic. Find out more about the community center here.
Happy Helpers of Annapolis has committed to providing 200 bag lunches for
the poor and homeless that come to the center. These lunches also go to the
children who attend the afterschool homework club. These children receive
free breakfast and lunch when they are in school but many don’t go home
to a dinner.
Since Amber started this program when she was a child, youth involvement is
greatly encouraged.
Here’s what we do:
> Provide 200 bag lunches per
week! Bag lunches consist of a sandwich, fruit, snack and if possible,
a water bottle. You can attach a note of encouragement or Bible Verse to the
bag. Safe food handling is a must! Tie hair back, wash hands, and wear gloves.
. Sandwiches contain lunch meat and cheese, etc. so be sure the sandwiches
are stored in the refrigerator. (You can bag sandwiches and return them to
the bread bag. When ready to distribute, we’ll just add the sandwich
to the lunch bags).
> Lunch Deliverers Needed!
Are you available on Monday or Wednesday morning to pick up the lunches and
drop them off at the Stanton Center?
> Special Celebrations, Activities
with Youth! Do you want to teach a craft or play basketball with
the children? Do you want to have a special fundraiser (like a holiday celebration)?
The possibilities are endless.
To sign up, contact Carolyn Sabisch at Bay Area Community Church. Phone (443)837-3709
or carolyn_sabisch@bayareacc.org.