Cambridge, Maryland Area Residents Enjoy Local Outreach

CAMBRIDGE--Great weather and the opportunity to receive free H1N1 immunization drew many area residents Monday to the Empowerment Center on Pine Street in Cambridge, Maryland, for a joint community effort by the Pine Street Committee (PSC) and the New Revived United Methodist Church. The outreach, which occurs each year on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, offers free clothing and food to all people of Dorchester County.

Earlier this month, Octavene Saunders of the PSC contacted the Dorchester County Health Department (DCHD) in regard to being part of this year's event.

"We thought it was a great thing that we could come to the community," said Lanise Horesman, DCHD Community Health Nurse.

"The turnout has been incredible already," said Assistant Director of Nursing Cheryl Maclaughlin who viewed Monday's event as the perfect opportunity to reach the community. Numerous people had been immunized either by vaccination or mist by noontime.

Catherine Campbell, a physician's assistant student from Anne Arundel Community College, provided the necessary paperwork for those who wanted to be immunized.

While some were immunized or browsed the collection of clothing items, others enjoyed free soup, desserts, and beverages provided by the New Revived United Methodist Church, located on Smithville Road near Taylor's Island. Members of New Revived view this event as a chance to minister to more people.

"It's not a day off, it's a day on for us, because we are located in an area where there is not many people," said Nona Stanley of New Revived. "So we are trying to take this day and show our respect to Dr. Martin Luther King, give to those who might not have, or anybody, whether they have or don't have."

She continued, "We are a small congregation, but we are trying to live for the Lord and do what we can to help out in the community."

One of the locals present, Arelette Bolden of Cambridge, said, "This is really great because there are people that really need it. There's hard times now. It's the love of God to put it into their hearts to do this for everybody."

With her was Georgia Dickerson who said she would be taking food to shut-ins she knew. "A couple of them are on dialysis," she said.

Free coffee and bread was provided by the Dorchester Elks Lodge #223.

For more information about the PSC, visit http://cambridgeempowermentcenter.com/ on the Internet.

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