Last week, Ellen Finn, founder and passion behind Project School Supplies in Copan, Honduras, visited friends in Severna Park.

Previously, she had only known them by email, and through their contributions and numerous care packages.

Severna Park Elementary School was one stop, where Finn captivated fourth and fifth graders and their teachers in what grew to be a 90-minute presentation because of the children's enthusiastic questions.

The school has to date collected $450, countless school supplies and over 300 pairs of shoes over the last two and a half years. Girl Scouts at Oak Hill Elementary School collected four boxes of school supplies, medicines and hygiene items at an event earlier this spring.

Numerous Severna Park families contribute to help students in Copan get through high school, have a breakfast at school to fight the severe malnutrition, and complete school projects which include roofs, walls and buildings that can weather the severe rains in the region.

The connection to Severna Park is through the Good Neighbors Group, a local charitable volunteer group. The volunteer network seeks to make a difference in people's lives locally through service by redirecting discarded items to people and groups in need. The results show that even a small effort can make a huge difference.  

For more information on the groups or to find out how you can make a difference, contact Julie Shay at julieshay21@gmail.com.