Winter Project Benefits Suited To Succeed!

Lots of caring folks gathered to bring much needed items for donation to Suited To Succeed

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!

Our very first project this year was a complete success! We gathered at Berni's home (she made veggie and meat lovers chili, lots of appetizers, wine and delicious brownies) on a cold winter's night. Sitting by her fire among 13 other women sharing the spirit of giving and gratitude was really magical.

With the help of Carol and Berni, Janice Arcieri (far left middle row) headed up this project. We collected many bags (2 car loads) of mostly accessories that have been donated to Suited To Succeed (STS).

Two representative from STS attended and presented interesting information about the work of their organization, the clientele and general information about specific women and how their lives have been positively changed (they are pictured - seated first two women front row left).

Our winter donations included pocket books, belts, scarves, jewels, clothing and much more. 

The mission of STS is - (from their website)

The mission of Suited to Succeed is to empower Baltimore area women in their efforts to transition from training programs and unemployment to self-sufficiency by providing free professional clothing and workshops.

Nearly 24,000 adults in Baltimore City receive public assistance. The majority of these recipients are female single heads of households. Welfare legislation requires that many of these women enroll in job training programs and actively seek employment in order to continue their assistance during this period. As women make the transition from dependence to self-sufficiency, the road they must travel is often bumpy. With the support of a quality job-readiness and/or training program, our clients gain the life management and technical skills needed to enter the competitive world of interviewing and securing employment.

This has been HOAM's third project to benefit the women of STS.

Another reason this gathering was special is that we had several new people attend, including Marguerite Stucki. 

Marguerite crafts by hand spiritual necklaces and donates them to various organizations, including House of Ruth, Towson Turnaround and now, STS.

The message on these necklaces is one of hope and love.

Here is one message she created for the clients of STS as they go for interviews and move forward to make positive changes in their lives.

"Stand tall, play with all your heart, run with outstretch arms gathering life from the warming sun, the balmy breeze and always hold in your heart your truth.... I am precious." 

Marguerite's website is        www.giverofhope.vpweb.com

Thank you Marguerite for your unique contribution!

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And many thanks to all of you who donated your time, your accessories and your energy to make this project such a great success. 

As we sat there on Berni's couch, the doorbell kept ringing and folks who were not able to attend the gathering dropped by to bring bags of great "stuff". 

One of the beautiful things about HOAM is that there are many people who contribute on different levels. Some folks take 10 minutes to go through their closets, jewelry boxes, etc. and collect a bag of treasures they no longer need, some folks organize projects (working with Karen Fireman, our fearless leader) and sees the projects through to the end. 

Berni helps by hosting gatherings at her home and by being the contact person and often the delivery person for The Franciscan Center, one of the other organizations we also work closely with.

A team of people work to keep the Monthly Food Drive a real success.  

Each of us, no matter how big or small has an important and unique contribution we make, not only with HOAM, but also with all the other things we do every day to help make the world a better place.

If you have any questions about HOAM or if you have an idea for a project, contact me at 
donnaraesmith@yahoo.com

With outstretched arms - thanks again.

Stay warm!       
Donna Rae (founder HOAM)

There's a lot of wonderful happenings.......

Happy December Hons On A Mission Followers!

It's been awhile since I last blogged and so much has happened with our charitable organization. 

#1 The Stoneleigh Pool lost and found towel drive provided another huge number of beautiful towels. Thanks to Berni Donnenberg for delivering these much needed items to The Franciscan Center where they will be distributed to those in need.

#2 With the leadership of Carol Newill we collaborated with our community Greening and Recycling organization to collect garden tools for the Baltimore Orchard Project and hand tools and power tools for the Station North Tool Library. Both non-rofits use tools and teach skills to empower people to improve their homes and to help their neighbors, whether repairing houses or planting fruit trees

#3 We continue to collect food every month. It is brought to the Assistance Center of Towson Churches which serves 21 zip coes. The shelves at ACTC are often critically low and there are many people who come there for help (they are allowed to come for help every 3 months). A little bit of love goes into every bag and box that has been collected over the last 5 years. 

Upcoming Drive - Very exciting

Janice Arcieri has a deep compassion for helping women  - she leads this drive 

The HOAM Drive For Accessories (scarves, pocketbooks, jewelry, etc.)  --- for at-risk women who are clients of Suited To Succeed

Beginning January 7th drop off locations are at the homes of Carol Newill (6907 Avondale Rd) & Janice Arcieri (7009 Kenleigh Rd) through January 28th. On January 28th all those who have supported or are interested in the work of Suited to Succeed are invited to gather at the home of Bernie Donnenberg (814 Chumleigh Rd) for refreshments, conversation, drop off all collections and for meeting a representative from Suited to Succeed. 

Important Announcement

What a rewarding experience it has been for me to coordinate the efforts of our community-based organization. To get together with like-minded, caring people for these simple, yet very effective goals has filled my heart with so much gratitude. So, with that said, I'd like to very gratefully welcome Karen Fireman to my position as coordinator of HOAM. Wow! I'm lucky to have such a kind, experienced person step in to continue with (and improve) our community efforts. Thank you so much Karen! And a big thank you to Angela Wu for all of the "right on" guidance and thoughtfulness throughout these years. She has been my sounding board, trouble shooter and then has become such a good friend. 

There have been many others (I'm not going to name them for fear that I will forget someone) who have been the backbone of HOAM. I look forward to seeing you at the meetings and also meeting new folks there too. 

With love and many, many thanks to all of my Stoneleigh neighbors and others for all of your donations and kindnesses.

Donna Rae Smith, Founder HOAM 
donnaraesmith@yahoo.coim

2,000 Books Collected and Other Updates!

2,000 books collected!

Hons On A Mission is our very own Towson community charitable organization that originated right here in Stoneleigh and has spread to other communities. We have 2 missions: Relocate “Stuff” from your homes to those people in need and collect food every month.

Spring Happenings

Book Drive An Unbelievable Success…2,000 books were donated thanks to Angela Wu and Anne Costigan

From Anne Costigan –

“Hons on a Mission chose Christ Child Society of Baltimore as the beneficiary of their spring project. Books ranging in level from pre-school through high school were the target item to be collected. When the drive ended, the total numbered just under 2,000!

Christ Child Society of Baltimore has three missions - education and literacy, infant care and parenting and basic needs support. Children's books are involved in every aspect of our efforts.

The books collected through Hons on a Mission were distributed to most of the 13 organizations we support, such as Heritage Early Learning Center, Armistead Gardens School, Mother Seton Academy, Our Daily Bread and Family Crisis Center. These books were given to the children to keep. Many of these children would not otherwise have access to books of their own. The feedback we have gotten from these organizations has been overwhelmingly positive. The children are extremely excited to have books to keep for their own.”

Spring Meeting

We have one business meeting a year – in the Spring. Our recent meeting was really productive. We have some great projects planned.

Fall – Tools!   Winter – Women’s Accessories (including but not limited to jewels) for Suited To Succeed!   Spring – Onsies and Receiving Blankets for distribution to families by the Christ Child Society!

Spring and Summer Projects

Thank you Bissett Schwankee for collecting shoes at the Stampede!

Lost and Found Towel Drive is underway – Every summer we rescue towels from the pool’s lost and found and deliver them in the Fall to The Franciscan Center for distribution to folks in need of them.

Many thanks to Dolores Berger, Mark and Allison Erdman, Christine Slade, Patricia Watson, Sarah Shel, Sanjay Trivedi, Cleo Stamatos, Anna and Joe Duval and Barbara Goglia, David Frisch and our pool managers for your help collecting, washing, folding and storing towels and other miscellaneous items.

Fall and Winter Projects

Fantastic 2014 Fall HOAM Project – A unique idea to really help folks improve their lives

Many folks have the energy and skill and desire, but often lack the necessary tools to do just that.

Our new Fall Hon’s On A Mission project will be carried out in partnership with Stoneleigh's Greening and Recycling folks.

Here’s the scoop –

WHAT? TOOL COLLECTION!

Donate gently used tools of the big and small variety from your home (tools must be usable and in good condition).

WHERE Will They Go?

GARDEN TOOLS will go to The Baltimore Orchard Project. They provide Baltimore’s neighborhoods, congregations, schools and civic organization training, knowledge and trees to create orchards of their own. They need garden tools to do this. To learn more go to http://www.baltimoreorchard.org/about_us

TRADITIONAL TOOLS will go to the Station North Tool Llbrary       (http://stationnorthtoollibrary.org/)  The compassionate volunteers at this unique organization help folks repair, maintain and improve their homes by giving them access to tools and skills.

WHEN? At Dumpster Day (DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED) this Fall

HOW CAN YOU HELP? All of us men and women in Stoneleigh start going through your sheds, garages, barns (?), basements for tools that you no longer need. Ask your parents, friends and family, co-workers in other neighborhoods to help. If you work for Black and Decker or Home Depot or some other related company maybe you can help on a corporate level.

SPECIFICS BELOW -

 Garden Tools for Baltimore Orchard Project :

big tools such as push mowers, wheelbarrows;

gardening tools such as shovels, spades, digging forks, pickaxes, scythes;

hand tools such as trowels, hand forks, clippers;

supplies such as open or unopened bags of compost, mulch.

Tools for Station North Tool Library:

big tools such as air compressors, ladders, electric lawn mowers;

woodworking tools such as table saws, planes, drills, sanders;

plumbing tools including snakes;

hand tools including hammers, screw drivers, metal shears, stud finders;

electrical items such as extension cords, trouble lights, wire strippers;

supplies that are organized, such as boxes of screws (partial boxes okay);

safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves. No gasoline-powered tools.

Winter Project

Janice Arcieri is heading up this project. We have collected clothing for Suited to Succeed and now we are going to go all out and collect accessories! Jewels and watches and pocket books and scarves and the like. Details about this really great project will follow at a later time.

Monthly Food Drive - Last but NOT least

Once a month we collect food. An eblast goes out to neighbors to let us know what is needed. If you are not on the eblast list, any items you would like to donate are appreciated.

The food we donate is brought to the food pantry at ACTC (Assistance Center of Towson Churches). Our working poor are allowed to come to the food pantry every 3 months. There isn’t enough food for them to come more often.  Your monthly efforts help support so many hungry people – children, women and men.

Look for the blue signs and bins throughout the neighborhood.

I can’t tell you how wonderful it makes me feel to live in a caring community like ours. If you have any suggestions for future projects or anything concerning our charitable efforts, please contact Donna Rae Smith at 443-956-7629 or by email at donnaraesmith@yahoo.com

                            

So many meaningful things happening... check them out!

Hello Blog Friends! 

There are three great Hons On A Mission things to blog about - 

#1 - Our current fun 2014 spring project is starting up - gently used children's books!

#2 - Very meaningful commiunity meeting and collections from our 2014 winter project - helping victims of human trafficking 

#3 - Up and coming annual spring meeting - April 29th 

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CURRENT SPRING 2014 PROJECT

ANGELA REALLY INSPIRED ME TO GO THROUGH MY KIDS BOOKS (MY YOUNGEST IS 30 YEARS OLD) AND FIND GENTLY USED BOOKS THAT WOULD MAKE  KIDS WHO NEED THEM REALLY HAPPY. I JUST HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THESE. IT MAKES ME FEEL SO GREAT TO KNOW THEY WILL BE IN GOOD HANDS

#1

We are so excited about our spring HONS ON A MISSION project. Angela Wu is heading up our very first children’s book drive!

What is the most important skill you would like to help your child develop? If you’re like most parents, reading is probably at the top of your list. No matter who we are, we all want our kids to be able to read well. Not all families can afford books and not all organizations have the budget to buy as many as they would like.

Many of you probably have books you no longer need but hesitate to let them go because you want to be sure they go to a good home. Give them to us! You can be sure that your books will find their way into the hands of a child or adolescent who will really appreciate them.

WHEN? APRIL 12 - MAY 3

WHAT? BOOKS! GENTLY USED BOOKS! NEWBORNS TO 18 YEARS OLD

DROP OFF LOCATIONS? 

1 - ANGELA AND CHRIS WU -  7004 WARDMAN ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21212

                  .

2 - ANNE AND JIM COSTIGAN  -  911 WELLINGTON ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21212

WHERE WILL THE BOOKS GO? WITH THE HELP OF ANN COSTIGAN WE ARE PARTNERING WITH THE CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF BALTIMORE. OUR PRECIOUS GENTLY USED BOOKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ARMISTEAD GARDENS SCHOOL (INNER CITY) , SISTERS ACADEMY, OUR DAILY BREAD, BEANS AND BREAD, HAMPDEN FAMILY CENTER (AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM) AND SUSANNA WESLEY (SHELTER).

PLEASE HELP US MAKE THIS A GREAT SUCCESS!!

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 WINTER 2014 PROJECT

#2

The Hons On A Mission (HOAM) quarterly project. combating human trafficking or modern slavery, was a hugh success.  The event was hosted by Berni Donnenberg and Janice Arcieri with assistance from Ann Snead. 

Local Beneficiary: Amelia Rubenstein, Team Leader and social worker for Turnaround, Inc., located here in Towson, was the primary speaker. She talked about the services Turnaround offers to victims rescued by the FBI from a life of sex slavery, i.e., from emergency services to stabilization of their situation to safety.  Ms. Rubenstein was overwhelmed with the generous  125+ NEW donations collected from Stoneleigh residents, which included: tote bags, pants, blouses, sweaters, skirts, underwear, $100+ in gift cards, scarves and more.Three boxes of toiletries were collected by Berni and her colleagues on the staff at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Global Beneficiary:  Bras were also collected by those present for the Free the Girls campaign (www.freethegirls.org)  to benefit girls who have been rescued from sex slavery in Mozambique. To date 431 bras have been collected. The girls sell the bras, a luxury item in Mozambique, to make a living and avoid being recaptured as sex slaves.  Women all over the country are sending their bras to Indiana, the U.S. Collection site. From Indiana, the bras are mailed to Mozambique. Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County State’s Attorney, donated $501 for postage.

Stoneleigh has proven to be a caring community.   Many thanks to all those who attended the January meeting (Karen Meyers, Meg Skinner,  Annie Biser, Kati Ball, Ann Snead, Barrie Kimball, Karen Fireman, Joyce Bowers from Good Sam and Sharon Buchbinder from Stevenson University). Special thanks go to Catherine Mahan, Stephanie Strunge, and those who anonymously dropped off 52 NEW donations prior to and after the HOAM meeting.

Source: Janice Arcieri

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SPRING 2014 MEETING 

#3

Our annual meeting will be April 29th at 7 p.m. in my home - 815 Stoneleigh Road Baltimore Maryland 21212. We would love to have your input.

********************

Winter HOAM Project - Benefits Victims of Human Trafficking

Help us let others know about this difficult topic

THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO START OFF 2014 FEELING GOOD ABOUT HELPING OTHERS. EVEN IN OUR SMALLER COMMUNITIES HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A BIG PROBLEM. HELP US LET OTHERS KNOW HOW THEY CAN HELP BY SHARING THIS BLOG.

Hons On A Mission (HOAM) sponsors about one project a season. In the past we have collected many items - diapers, school supplies, animal shelter supplies, all kinds of clothing and more. Our winter project is one that is more difficult to address and understand. The first thought you might have is, “Not here in Towson!” and then “How can this be?” I know that was mine.

Unfortunately, this is a serious problem globally and in our area.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Janice Arcieri and Berni Donnenberg are hoping to bring some awareness to this international and local problem by collecting items that will benefit victims in our area and others. Donations will be accepted the entire month of January.  Please drop off items at the Arcieri home - 7009 Kenleigh Road, Baltimore, MD 21212

What is being collected? 

          *Gift cards to purchase new clothing – any amount from any store

          *New or like new Tote bags

          *New jeans, t-shirts and underwear

          *New or gently used bras (all sizes) to support the “Free The Girls Campaign”

             www.freethegirls.org  The re-sale of these luxury garments enable girls in                 

             Mozambique to earn enough money to avoid this difficult life.

$1.00 is needed  for postage to send each bra to a collection area in Indiana

(for more information  http://thecnnprojectfreedomproject.com)

Berni Donnenberg is collecting toiletries (another much needed item) from Good Sam Hospital, her workplace. Please consider recruiting people from your work, gym, place of worship or any other place to help with this project.

Where will these items go?

They will be taken to Turnaround Inc. located right here in Towson. The mission of this organization is to help build a community free of violence. They help address the needs of human trafficking victims.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: TO ENJOY SOME FELLOWSHIP WITH NEIGHBORS, BRING YOUR DONATIONS AND TO LEARN MORE JOIN US AT 7 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29^TH AT BERNIE’S HOUSE. 814 CHUMLEIGH ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21212

AMELIA RUBENSTEIN (A SOCIAL WORKER AT TURNAROUND) AND VICTORIA KINNEAR OF THE FREE THE GIRLS CAMPAIGN WILL BE ATTENDING THIS MEETING TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. YOU MAY HAVE RECENTLY HEART AMELIA SPEAK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON NPR.

THANKS YOU SO MUCH. If you have any questions please contact Janice Arcieri at 410-377-0739 or cell  443-465-0150.

If you would like more information about HOAM, please contact Donna Rae Smith  at

donnaraesmith@yahoo.com 

Please put HOAM in the subject line.

Thank you.

Men's Casual Clothing Needed!

Men's Casual Clothing Hons On A Mission Fall Project 

The following message is from Sarah and Clifton Rhea

We are are really looking forward to our fall Mission- a men's clothing drive with donations going to Paul's Place. After more than 20 years of service to the community Paul's Place now offers more than a dozen services to low income families and individuals in the Washington Village/ Pigtown community. These programs provide support that strengthens individuals and families, fostering hope, personal dignity and growth. Paul's place provides basic needs but also is a place to nurture the spirit. We are thrilled to be involved with this wonderful center.

How can you help?? Go through those men's closets, drawers and storage bins and donate gently used men's clothes including - hats, scarves, coats, pants, sweaters, shirts, and sweat shirts. Please have everything clean and folded in a sturdy garage bag. You may leave on our front covered porch  ( 7000 kenleigh rd) anytime during the day or evening. We will be accepting clothes September 2nd through November 4th. We will be making biweekly drop offs to the center depending on how many donations we receive. 

So clean out those closets fellas and let's start collecting! Paul's Place has a great need for clothes and is very grateful to the Stoneleigh community for being such kind and giving folks. Feel free to throw in new socks which are precious items around there:)))


Thanks in advance!

Warmly, 

Sarah & Clifton Rhea

*********************

From Donna Rae Smith, Founder HOAM

I'm thrilled about this project and I would love to fill the Rhea's van up many times. Because men don't clean out closets like women do, gently used men's clothing is very dear. Men often come to Paul's Place just for something warm to wear. 

Please spread the word to your family and friends, your workplace and place of worship. Let's make this the best drive ever!!

Summary below.

Please contact me at donnaraesmith@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

What?  Gently used men's clothing - hats, scarves, coats, pants, sweater, shirts and                

               sweat shirts

When? September 2- November 4

Where? Leave in sturdy plastic bags on front covered porch (7000 Kenleigh Rd.               

               Baltimore, MD 21212) any time during the day or evening     

Who will benefit? Clients of Paul's Place  -      www.paulsplaceoutreach.org

How Can You Help? Go through closets, drawers and storage bins! Tell your family,

                                       friends, folks in your workplace and place of worship

Many thanks!!!

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Further News From Hons On A Mission

 Across the country, National Night Out is held the 1st Tueday of August. Events are held to celebrate the partnership between police, residents and neighborhood citizens on patrol organizations.   Towson Area COP has a network of 26 neighborhoods working together to reduce crime.  For the past three years, TACOP has collected canned goods for ACTC on National Night Out.  20 COPs helped fill the car. All of the "bags" came from one neighborhood, the residents of Ridgely Condominum -- led by Roger Proehl.  Photo by Lee Klima.

Hons On A Mission's Janice Arcieri tirelessly works for this food drive effort and many other efforts to help keep our community safe and secure. Janice is pictured to the right of the food drive sign. 

Thank you Janice and all the others that made this important annual event successful.

It is truly amazing what a group of folks can do to help others.

2013 Spring Update

2013 Spring Hons Meeting

Howdy Hons On A Mission Blog Followers!  

We eagerly began our annual meeting with a few minutes of socializing - meeting new neighbors, commiserating with old friends and generally catching up. 

Then, with lots of genuine excitement, planning Spring 2013-Spring 2014 projects began. 

Through this blog, we wanted to share them with you with the hope that you will share them with your friends and families and co-workers.

But first..... just a few paragraphs about our most recently completed and on-going HOAM projects. 

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES TO BE A SUCCESS

We collect food the first weekend of every month. To make it convenient the bins are out for one week. This food is delivered to ACTC in Towson. Please google if you would like to know more about ACTC or go to http://www.actconline.info/.

Collection homes:

**New drop off:  815 Kingston Road, Marcie Hipple, 410-377-2971

 715 Stoneleigh Road, Mary Wynne Eisenberg 410-583-7615

 705 Stoneleigh Road, Annie Biser 410-583-7581

 821 Wellington Road, Maria Wetherington 443-801-5251

 606 Hatherleigh Road, Bissett Schwanke 410-821-8817

 7104 Copeleigh Road, Katie Ball 410-377-0575

7009 Kenleigh Road, Janice Arcieri 410-377-0739 

7004 Wardman Road, Angela Wu  410-321-1458

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Friends of HOAM at McCormick added to our donations - collecting many dresses, pocketbooks, jewels and accessories for our Spring 2013 Prom Attire Drive. All donations were delivered to teenagers at a nearby residential psychiatric program. 

Prom Attire - Spring 2013 Project Completed with Huge Success!

The kids at Sheppard Pratt are going to look really great this year at their prom. I cannot even begin to tell you how appreciative our contact is with this donation. Dresses of all sizes, colors and styles, beautiful suites, ties, shirts, tuxedos, jewels, hand bags, shawls, hair pieces and all kinds of shoes!

Along with the help of McCormick we donated 135 dresses, 12 suites, and 12 shirts.

A good friend of Hons On A Mission (who doesn’t live in Stoneleigh) found out about this project and along with a compassionate McCormick co-worker, decided to invite fellow employees to participate. They contributed many beautiful dresses and stylish shoes, men’s suites, shirts and ties and jewelry, shawls and purses.

Andrew Stringfellow and Brian Pflaum, both Juniors at Towson High School, helped me load and unload all the clothing. Thank you to these great young Hons On A Mission!

And many thanks to everyone who participated in this event.

Clothing and accessories that will not be used this year will be saved for future proms.

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CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME POSTER!

I teach Medical Qi Gong. This creative poster is designed by Andrew Stingfellow and Brian Pflaum, juniors at Towson High School. It is used to help inspire teenagers during specialized group Medical Qi Gong classes at a nearby psychiatric day hospital. Thank you so much Andrew and Brian.

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NEW SUMMER PROJECTS

#1 -- Summer Annual Memorial Day Stoneleigh Stampede Shoe Drive - Headed up by Bissett Schwankee -  lots of folks will be bringing their shoes to the pool in our community. We have been repeating this project for a number of years and it continues to be a huge success. Gently used women's, men's and children's dress and casual shoes (including flip flops) are collected and delivered by Berni Donnenberg to The Franciscan Center, an outreach organization in Baltimore City. 

#2 -- Towel Drive - This is a really easy way to collect A LOT of fantastic towels. Every two weeks a volunteer collects the lost and found towels at our community pool. These beautiful towels are washed and folded with care to be donated.

FALL PROJECT

#3 -- Sarah and Clifton Rhea are collecting Men's Clothing! This is the first time this project has been proposed. It's bound to be a huge success and just think - what a great opportunity for men to purge sweats, shoes, suits, coats - just everything. Details will be determined.

WINTER PROJECT

#4 -- January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Most of us are not aware of this huge problem that exists in our very own Towson and Greater Baltimore Community. Towson Turnaround (http://www.turnaroundinc.org/) is a non-profit domestic violence rescue center that provides services for girls and boys/men and women who have been victims of human trafficking. Janice Arcieri will be contacting this organization to determine what is needed. The victims have in their possessions almost nothing. Details for this project will be determined. 

SPRING PROJECT

“No skill is more crucial to the future of a child, or to a democratic and prosperous society, than literacy.”

- Los Angeles Times, "A Child Literacy Initiative for the Greater Los Angeles Area"

#5 -- Children's Books!! This is also a new project for HOAM and it's going to be a lot of fun. Angela Wu will be doing some research to determine where these donations will go and other important details. (This would be a really great project for boys and girls to get involved). 

 HOW CAN YOU HELP?

#1 ** Please contact the person or people heading 
up these projects or email Donna Rae Smith at 
donnaraesmith@yahoo.com or call her cell 
443-956-7629 if you would like to participate as a volunteer.

#2 ** HELP US SPREAD THE WORD to your family, 
friends, workplace, churches, etc. about ALL OF 
these important projects.

Wendy Stringfellow has volunteered to design a 
new pamphlet for us to spread the word about HOAM.
If you would like to have some of these pamphlets 
just let me know. They are going to be really classy 
(she's petitioning Staples to print them for us). Thanks
Wendy.

Lastly-  YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A 
BEEHIVE TO BE A HON On AM!  HA!

To all of our new neighbors who might feel a little 
funny about attending a HOAM meeting or about 
participating in one of the projects AND to any other
 folks that might also feel this way  - please join us. 
We are a group of friendly easygoing folks without
 a tight agenda or set of rules or anything of that sort
. Every single person that gets involved has something 
special to offer and so do you.

And – last but not least – THANKS EVERYONE FOR 
ALL of the wonderful food that you donate and for all 
of the wonderful items you provide during the year.

Message from Donna Rae, founder HOAM

There are many, many individuals – women, men, kids, old 
and young and in between who benefit from the food, 
clothing, shoes, towels, etc. that we provide. Just like us, 
these folks are seeking happiness, trying to avoid suffering
 and sadness, trying to get their needs met and trying to
 learn about life.

Thanks Stoneleigh Neighbors and friends for helping them 
get their needs met.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. 
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama

And….if you want to know more about our community 
organization or if you have any suggestions, please contact me.

Donna Rae Smith, Founder HOAM
We don't have a budget or a treasurer - we have 
big hearts, lots of creative ideas and energy and 
donate some time for good work. 

815 Stoneleigh Rd.

donnaraesmith@yahoo.com

443-956-7629