When the St. Michaels Community Center began serving at the heart of the Bay Hundred community in 1990, no one could have imagined the impact the neighborhood organization would have 30 years later, especially while the organization serves as the Bay Hundred’s food hub during the nation’s COVID-19 pandemic. Nor would they have ever imagined the great kindness gathered during the pandemic through the organization’s role as the community’s helpers.
SMCC staff members Amy DeWitt, left, and April Adams work preparing take-out and delivery meals for residents in need of the Bay Hundred area.
SMCC Executive Director Trish Payne says SMCC has helped provide 1,941 bags of groceries and 3,830 take-out and delivery meals to people from throughout the Bay Hundred area—which stretches from St. Michaels to Tilghman Island—in the weeks between April 6, 2020 and June 19, 2020.
The center continues to provide food support at its Railroad Ave. location on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and has recently re-opened its Treasure Cove Thrift Store with limited guests, required masks, and adherence to social distancing practices.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps around the globe, uncertainty and apprehension travel right along with it,” says Payne. “But humanity rises to the challenge in so many ways big and small, as I have been lucky enough to witness in St. Michaels through my role as the community center’s Executive Director.”
“In addition to all the selfless health care workers, law enforcement agencies, grocery workers, food manufacturers, truck drivers, churches, social service groups, soup kitchens and more, there are also many unseen heroes among us,” said Payne. “Neighbors, friends, and strangers are stepping up to support each other and the folks on the front lines helping to keep our communities safe, heal the sick, and feed the hungry.”
SMCC’s Jeannie Butler prepares take-out meals at the center.
The St. Michaels Community Center is part of a community of food support organizations operating under the Talbot County Emergency Services Task Force. SMCC works as the Bay Hundred food hub, keeping food on the tables and bags of groceries in the homes of those in need. The center works in partnership with other food banks, churches, Meals on Wheels, and many local businesses and volunteers pulling together.
The St. Michaels Community Center—with a mission to serve, empower, and connect our community—is committed to combating discrimination and racism through its actions, partnerships, and programs. The Center’s programs of food distribution, neighborhood engagement, family activities, and more aim to bring neighbors together and reduce inequality.
Donations supporting SMCC can be made at paypal.me/smccmd,with non-perishable food, household supplies, and dry goods received by drop-off at the St. Michaels Community Center. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.
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Treasure Cove is run in part by volunteers and partners with other local non-profits and Talbot County’s Department of Social Services to provide emergency assistance to people in need, including those suffering from the effects of fire, flood, eviction, job loss, or other special circumstances.
Table fees from the weekly market benefit the local children and adults served by SMCC’s food distribution, programs, and activities.The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community.
Participants are not limited in the number of stars purchased, and can be reserved by calling 410-745-6073 or emailing 
Brush off your dancin’ shoes and get ready to celebrate 60 years of Motown at the 3rd Annual Homecoming Dance hosted by St. Michaels Community Center on Saturday, August 24 from 8am to Midnight. Be sure to wear an outrageous costume to vie for the trophy for Best Dressed. A separate trophy will be awarded to the winners of the Dance Contest. You’ll be groovin’ all evening and singing with the smooth sounds of Comfort Zone as they dish out the best R & B sounds of the Motown Era. Lite fare of delicious fingers foods will be plentiful along with a cash bar with your favorite libations. The St. Michaels Inn will once again welcome us to their upstairs ballroom. You might even be lucky enough to get a selfie with Smokey, Marvin or Diana. Tickets are only $65 each or a table of 10 for $600. Get your tickets quick as this event will most likely sell out fast! Call 410-745-6073 for reservations and more information. Hope to see you there!
