Some people talk about making a difference. Others roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Ms. Shirley Smith is the latter.
If you’ve ever visited our St. Mary’s office, you’ve probably seen her. Maybe she greeted you at the door. Maybe she saw her organizing food pantry donations or answering the phone with her signature warmth.
Or maybe — just maybe — you didn’t notice her at all, because she was too busy quietly making things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Since 2016, Ms. Shirley has volunteered nearly 7,000 hours of her time to LifeStyles of Maryland.
Seven. Thousand. Hours.
That’s the equivalent of nearly four years of full-time work — all done out of the kindness of her heart.
She first came to LifeStyles through a referral from her pastor, Rev. Roderick McClanahan of First Missionary Baptist Church. He told her we were opening a new office and could use extra hands. She didn’t hesitate. She showed up at our original location on Three Notch Road, ready to help. And when we moved to Shangri-La Drive, she moved with us.
Ms. Shirley doesn’t volunteer for recognition. She doesn’t do it for praise. She does it because she believes in the work. Because, as she puts it, “faith without works is dead.” Her faith moves her to action, and her action speaks volumes.
For nearly a decade, she has been a steady, smiling presence — proof that small acts of kindness, done consistently, create real change.
So join us in celebrating Ms. Shirley. Join us in thanking her for her time, her dedication and her heart for service. We truly couldn’t do this work without her and our other amazing volunteers.
And to those reading this, feeling inspired — we need more Ms. Shirleys.
If you’ve ever wanted to give back, now is the time.
Join us in making a difference.
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