Business Owner Puts Company to Work for Severn Food Pantry

Auto shop owner Steve Connolly saw a local food pantry in need and didn’t hesitate to put his company to work.

After reading an article on Patch about the Severn United Methodist Food Pantry’s dire need of donations, Connolly knew he wanted to help.

Back in August, . More and more families were turning up throughout the summer months but donations were decreasing every week, said pantry manager Jean McHenry.

Despite battling through knee surgeries on both legs, the 78-year-old volunteer was devoted to the cause. But the drop in donations made her fear for those who depended on the pantry to eat.

Having never met McHenry, Connolly started an initiative that will provide additional support for families in need from Thanksgiving all the way to Christmas.

His business, Environmental Auto Services, is offering a $10 discount on any auto service if patrons bring in two cans for the food pantry.

“We’re just really fortunate,” Connolly said. “[Connolly and his wife Marti] like to give back in ways we can see results.”

McHenry said she was surprised to hear a call from a local business offering to help the food pantry.

“After reading about her medical history and her age, I wasn’t sure if she was still going to be running the pantry when I called,” Connolly said. “She was pretty pumped up about it.”

The extra help couldn’t come at a better time for the food pantry. Donations from the Maryland Food Bank have been much lower than usual, McHenry said. “Usually we get two truck loads," she said. "Last time we went we didn’t get a full truck.”

During the holiday season, people are more eager to give, McHenry said. “During the summer, people forget about those who are poor.”

On the week of Thanksgiving and then again before Christmas, Connolly will send the canned goods his business collects to the food pantry, knowing that the food will be used directly for the 180 families that frequent the food bank.

“Poor people get a bad reputation sometimes and it’s not fair,” Connolly said. “Giving is something I try to do anyway, so when it’s benefiting my community, it makes it something a little bit more special.”

To contribute to the Severn United Methodist food pantry, contact Jean McHenry at mchenrysnorth40@verizon.net. 

Editor's Notes: The food pantry at the Severn United Methodist Church is the collective effort of the Christian Assistance Program, a group comprised of 12 different local churches, including Severn United Methodist Church. Also, the Maryland Food Bank's shortage of supplies affects all food pantries in Anne Arundel County because their distribution to the county has been decreased as of late.