The Neighborhood Service Center has received more than $25,000 in collective funding from Women Who Care Talbot County, a donation that will directly support the organization’s food pantry operations and strengthen its long-term ability to serve vulnerable residents throughout Talbot County.
The funding was awarded during Women Who Care Talbot County’s May 11 meeting, where members selected the Neighborhood Service Center as the nonprofit recipient. The organization’s pantry is the only food pantry in Talbot County that is open five days a week and has recently expanded its hours to better serve working families facing food insecurity.
“This extraordinary gift represents far more than financial support,” said Andy Hollis, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center. “It is a powerful affirmation that our community recognizes the growing challenges many of our neighbors face every day. The generosity of Women Who Care Talbot County will help us continue providing reliable access to food for families, seniors, and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.”
As shared with Women Who Care Talbot County, NSC’s pantry served 402 households and 1,278 individuals in March alone. The organization also distributes prepared foods daily from local establishments, often serving lines of residents waiting outside before opening hours.
Women Who Care Talbot County Founding Member Karen Gadson said the organization’s members were deeply moved by the scale of need and the Neighborhood Service Center’s longstanding commitment to helping local residents achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
“Our members believe in the power of collective philanthropy to create meaningful impact close to home,” Gadson said. “The Neighborhood Service Center has quietly and compassionately served Talbot County families for decades, and our members were inspired by both the urgency of the need and the organization’s unwavering dedication to the community.”
Founded more than 50 years ago, the Neighborhood Service Center serves as Talbot County’s designated Community Action Agency, providing services aimed at reducing poverty and helping individuals and families become self-sufficient.
The recent donation also comes at a pivotal time for the organization as it works to meet increasing community needs.
“As demand for services continues to rise, we know we must think strategically about the future,” Hollis said. “Support like this not only helps sustain critical programs today but also expands the impact the Neighborhood Service Center can have with the people we serve.”
The Neighborhood Service Center also continues to expand its community engagement efforts through The Neighborhood Exchange, its resale and outreach initiative that supports the organization’s mission while increasing visibility for its programs and services.
Located at 25 E. Dover Street in Easton, The Neighborhood Exchange is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., offering affordable furniture, household goods, and other items while helping generate additional support for neighbors in need throughout Talbot County.
Women Who Care Talbot County includes more than 200 members who pool charitable contributions to support local nonprofits making a measurable difference in the community. Since its founding, the organization has awarded significant funding to nonprofits throughout Talbot County through its quarterly giving model.
“Our members continue to demonstrate what is possible when women come together with purpose and compassion,” Gadson said. “Every meeting reminds us that local philanthropy can transform lives.”
The Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. has served Talbot County residents for more than 50 years with a mission to eliminate poverty by empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient. As Talbot County’s designated Community Action Agency, NSC provides food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, homeless prevention services, and other critical programs for residents in need. More is at www.nsctalbotmd.org.
