Giving thanks for
baltimore shambhala center:
meditation center donates thanksgiving meals

Five years ago, JoAnna Macht, Community Service Organizer at The Baltimore Shambhala Center, made a simple trip for groceries to Whole Foods Market Mt. Washington. Little did she, or we at Samaritan Community, know that her grocery run would turn into a powerful relationship that would provide Thanksgiving meals to more than 25 Samaritan members and their families each year.

“Cashiers were selling pre-filled bags of food to donate to Samaritan. I talked to them about Samaritan and decided it was a good fit for us,” recalls JoAnna. “I called Sharon, visited the office to check it out, and decided to jump in.”

Fast forward to today and this food drive is going strong. Shambhala Center members receive empty tote bags with a list of needed items, and either fill them or simply give what they can. The bags are then delivered to Samaritan for distribution. Shambhala members can also make monetary donations.

“Most Samaritan members don’t have the means to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home,” says Sharon Krieger, Program Director at Samaritan. “We can now provide a happy holiday for many, which is something we are all very thankful for.”

For The Shambhala Center, the drive itself has turned into a tradition.

“Many of us here have made it a priority during the holidays,” says JoAnna. “We look forward to this relationship for years to come.” 

To learn more about making a donation to Samaritan Community, visit our Donate Page or call 443-438-9286.