I know it’s only for July, and most people still have summer on their minds: vacations, the pool, and sun and hot weather! And, to be honest, that describes us a little bit, too. However, there are lots of people out there who are already thinking about the community and the start of a new school year, and are working hard to make it a little less stressful for some of our area students.
The Westminster City Police, in conjunction with the local Walmart on Woodward Road here in Westminster, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and Shepherd’s Staff, are accepting donations for the annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ event, where on August 9th, 150 school children will head to Dutterer’s Park and be given a backpack to fill with school supplies. They’ll also be given lunch, and the opportunity to hang out and play games with local police officers.
Shepherd’s Staff is also collecting donations of school supplies, backpacks, and monetary donations that can be dropped of at their location on Carroll Street or other local businesses like Baugher’s in Westminster, Carroll Community Bank in Westminster and Sykesville, Elite Tents in Eldersburg, Terry’s Tag and Title (Eldersburg, Taneytown, Union Bridge, and Westminster locations), and Ting in downtown Westminster. Head over to the Shepherd’s Staff website to get a list of all drop-off locations. Donations are being accepted until July 23rd.
As Matt and I have gotten older we realize how close we truly all are to needing help from others. It’s easy to think you would never need it, but truth is some of it is just luck. We have had both bountiful and lean years. During those lean years we’ve been blessed to have support available to us through the community to get us through. Strong communities and strong families are vital, and when they are strong, we are all strong. We are grateful to be able now to give back, even just a little, and honor those who gave when we needed a little extra support.
So get out and give something back! Not only does it help us build strong communities, but it’ll make you feel good, too!