By Sharon Mager
GLEN BURNIE, Md.—Each week in the Harundale Plaza parking area, off of Ritchie Highway, a group of people from a variety of churches, come together to feed and clothe people who are homeless. “Hands and Feet Ministry” is a grass roots outreach started by Janet Hayes and Kathy Snow, both members of Faith Baptist Church. Glen Burnie. They serve an average of 60 people weekly, though that number fluctuates and has gone as high as 250.
The women along with other volunteers were giving away food, clothing, toiletries, and any other supplies they can get in the back lot by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream stand.
Others took notice and wanted to help. Now, there are churches, small groups and individuals that lend a hand. Some passers-by see them and just jump right in to volunteer.
Hayes said Ron Vails pastor Son Rise Fellowship Ministries, Jessup, shows up regularly with his church family to cook food and bring clothes.
“When the weather is nice, they do a big fish fry and bring lots of food,” Hayes said. “That’s when the over 200 people show up for lunch.
Another pastor, Joe Franklin, and his wife, Vonzilla, also bring supplies and help with devotions.
Recently, a young couple from Lighthouse Church, in Glen Burnie, saw what the group was doing and said it was perfect for their small group. They asked for a list of needs and plan to fill all the requests by Christmas Eve.
Recently, three ladies came by and asked, ‘do you need coats?’ and Hayes said, ‘yes!’” They asked if the group needed hats, and socks. Hayes kept repeating, “yes!”
“Then they said, ‘how about soup?’” Now the ladies show up with clothes and soup.
“We’re just people who band together to help. People tell us we’re ‘boots on the ground’ ministry,” Hayes said. “The people are so poor.”
“A man who owned a restaurant that went out of business donated supplies to the ministry, and now encourages other businesses to help.
One member of Faith Baptist provides a large donation that supports the ministry.
The group begins at 11:30 am setting up, and then they have Bible reading and prayer before serving food and giving out canned goods, fresh produce, and clothes.
“We’re here every week, no matter the weather, in the extreme hot and cold. As long as we can get on the road we’re here,” Hayes said.