Our Story
All girls dream of marriage, children, and the happily ever after. Although that’s our dream, sometimes, God has a different plan for us. In 2004, I learned I could not bear children, but because of my faith, I still had hope that one day, a miracle would happen. I have always been close with my family, especially my father. You could call me a daddy’s girl. When my father passed in early 2007, the grief and emptiness filled my days with sorrow. The heartache and yearning of wanting to feel whole again put me in a hopeless state of mind. Later in 2007, I went on a family trip to visit my brother in his hometown of Mannington, WV. It was there that I first laid my eyes on this precious puppy, Sallie, who stole my heart immediately and changed my life forever.
A few years later in 2009, I met my wonderful husband, and together, we started volunteering with The Baltimore Washington Power Team. I knew from the moment I walked into the community center it was something I was meant to do. Two years later when the team coordinator got sick, I stepped up and helped the team accomplish their goal of feeding families in our community. I continued to do this work, along with volunteering with my church and local organizations until 2020, when the pandemic changed everything. Not only did the pandemic change our world, but my sweet Sallie girl crossed over the rainbow bridge. For 13 years, this sweet girl filled my life with love, faith, hope, and a sense of purpose.
In late August of 2020, The Baltimore Washington Power Team made the hard decision to shut down. The decision to shut down the group, the pandemic, and losing Sallie made me feel empty yet again. Because of the emptiness I felt, I decided I would try gardening. In May of 2020, I planted my first sunflower seed, and to watch them blossom and grow into these beautiful gifts from God made me feel whole again. In early October of 2020, I got a call from our local school counselor, whom I developed a relationship with over the years, asking if we could provide food baskets to families. I did not have the heart to tell her the truth about shutting down the group. Instead, I told her I wasn’t sure how, but I would make it happen.
It was at that moment that it all came together for me: My love and desire to give back came full circle. The sunflowers growing in my yard represent the unconditional love from my girl, Sallie. The strength of their stems represents the growth of giving, and the beauty of the blossoms represent the hope to inspire others. That, along with the love and support from my husband, family, friends and my belief in God, is how Sunflowers for Sallie was founded.
Contact Us
Phone Number
Address
Sunflowers for Sallie, Inc.
PO BOX 183
Millersville, MD 21108
Working to help end hunger in our communities and assist those in need one Basket of Hope at a time. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your gift is 100% tax deductible.
Federal Tax ID # 86-2027017
