Introducing the Kent Island Community Spotlight! A monthly way to honor those community members and businesses who make a BIG impact on our tiny island. There are so many commuity members and businesses that impact Kent Island.
Meet Leann Rhodes
Meet our first honoree: Leann Rhodes from Tides of Grace, Inc..
Jessica Thomas, who nominated Leann, had this to say: “Leann has led a gently used toy drive for now 3 years in our community to help parents provide gifts for their children at Christmas time. She has now quit her 6 figure income to run a nonprofit here on the eastern shore that focuses on helping anyone in need find the resources and materials they need for life. Leann is focused and helps families right here on the shore.”
How it Started
Leann came up with the idea to launch the holiday toy drive after cleaning out her own son’s toys during covid and donating them to a local mom in need. The mom shared that she and her husband were both out of work and so they were going to wrap gently used toys from Santa that year. This sparked an idea in Leann’s mind that there were likely other families in the Kent Island Community that needed help! Leann put her mind and heart into action and the first Toy Drive had about 100 people who came out and were able to “shop” for toys for holiday gifts. The second year, over 250 families benefitted from holiday toys.
Not Just For the Holidays
Leann was inspired by the joy surrounding the toy drive. It filled her heart to help give back to the community so she decided this should NOT be a one time a year. She wants to give back to our community all year long. Leann said “everyone you know is either coming out of a storm, in the middle of one, or going to hit one and I’ve always said how nice is it to have a community to stand behind you.” Leann has created that community. Check out the ways that her non-profit, Tides of Grace is giving back each month this year:
Join Tides of Grace for Blankets & Books!
Intersted in getting more involved with Leann and Tides of Grace? Click HERE to check out their Facebook Page or email TidesofGraceInc@gmail.com.
Know Another Community Spotlight? Nominate Today!
Who should we know that contributes to our Kent Island community? Do you know a resident or business that shows up in a big way? Someone who makes a positive impact right here on our little island? I Love Kent Island wants to recognize them in the Kent Island Community Spotlight!
We want recognize them in a way that they deserve! We want to share an example for others of what community and kindness is all about. Click HERE to nominate today!
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