Michael Abbott

Former School of Incarnation student writes about Giving Back experiences for college media paper.

by Michael Abbott, McDaniel College

Giving Back – Linda’s Legacy

            This year on Christmas Eve, more than 2,500 backpacks filled with winter clothes will be delivered to more than 24 homeless shelters all over Anne Arundel County, Washington D.C., and Baltimore.  Over 500 volunteers will give up their time on Christmas Eve to help those in need stay warm for the winter’s harsh weather.

Linda Greenberg started this mission about 30 years ago when she would single-handedly collect and deliver clothes for homeless people on Christmas Eve. Since then, her kind action has grown into what is now called, “Giving Back – Linda’s Legacy”, a non-profit charity that helps thousands of people in need each year on Christmas Eve.  A lot of donations for the mission come from schools and students donating money to voluntarily stuff backpacks full of clothes to be delivered on this very special evening, when everyone comes together.

One middle school that has consistently participated in the backpack program in years past is School of the Incarnation, a private Catholic school in Gambrills, Maryland.  In each of the past few years, they have donated about $20,000 to fill around 1,000 backpacks.  I had the privilege of attending this school and being a part of the Giving Back program throughout elementary and middle school.

I had many positive experiences with a lot of great people from packing the backpacks to actually volunteering at the shelters.  I always volunteered with my brothers, parents and some friends from school.  One of the best parts of the experience is being able to see how happy and thankful people are when they receive a backpack.  Another enjoyable part of volunteering is having conversations with many unique individuals that have countless great stories to tell.  It is a very fun and fulfilling experience that I truly recommend for all families in the area.

There are several ways that you can help support Linda’s Legacy and mission.  You can donate money through their website www.homelessdrive.org or to a local school that participates in the backpack program.  You can also volunteer and go out to the homeless shelters and hand out backpacks as well.  Please help support Linda’s mission and donate or volunteer today!