Around Linthicum: Church provides Easter donations, fun for local families

Easter will be a little sweeter this year for 13 Linthicum families, thanks to the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church.

The families, totaling about 70 adults and children, were gifted baskets that contain ingredients for Easter dinner, like ham and turkey, as well as pantry items, such as fruit, canned foods, milk, eggs, vegetables and cereal. All of the items were donated by St. John's members.

The baskets were given to the recipients, who were nominated by local school guidance counselors, at the church's Palm Sunday service.

"A faithful group of individuals gathered on Saturday morning and sorted the items donated by the congregation," said Tami Jones, outreach coordinator for the church. "It always amazes me what a giving and caring congregation we have at St. John."

The church has sponsored families during Thanksgiving and Easter for about 20 years. Initially starting with five families, the church now typically sponsors about 20 families each year.

"So many of us take for granted having a full pantry and fridge," Jones said. "But for many right here in Linthicum, hunger has become a daily challenge and a way of life. So if we can ease that anxiety even for a short time, we are doing what we are called to do."

The church, 300 W. Maple Road, will also hold a Community Bunny Breakfast today, from 9 am to noon. Recommended for ages two to 10, the event will feature Easter egg hunts, prizes and a breakfast.

Three Easter egg hunts, featuring a total of 4,000 hidden eggs, will also take place at the breakfast. The children will be divided into three ages groups: 2- to 4-years-old, 5- to 7-years-old and 8- to 10-year-old. The youngest group will search for eggs in the church's enclosed courtyard. The 5- to 7-year-olds will hunt in the playground and the oldest group of children will search for eggs in front of the church.

Adult and teenage helpers will accompany each group.

The eggs will feature candy and toys inside. In each age group, two eggs will contain medals on ribbons. The children who find them will receive an Easter basket filled with goodies and a three-foot stuffed lamb.

Attendees of the event will also have the chance to win door prizes, such as candy, toys, books and DVDs.

The Bunny Breakfast is free, but the church will accept goodwill offerings. Call the church at (410) 859-0020 for more information.

County launches 3-1-1 customer service program

Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh announced April 4 the launch of 3-1-1, an initiative that aims to make accessing county services more efficient and responsive.

County residents can access the system by dialing 311 for all municipal services. Operators are available from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

An application is also available for mobile phones through the App Store for iPhones and Google Play for androids, which can be found by searching for "Arundel 311" on your phone's app store.

The app allows residents to report lost pets, potholes, missed trash collections and other issues. Users can also take pictures, set locations and receive updates regarding their reported issues.

LHUMC Easter services, summer program, school registration

The Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church, 200 School Lane, will hold Easter services on Sunday.

A sunrise service is at 6:30 a.m. on the grounds of the church. The service will be held in the fellowship hall in the case of rain. Traditional services will begin at 8 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and a contemporary service will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

The church is accepting registration for its summer program, themed "All Around the World," which will feature fun activities and field trips. Registration is also being accepted for the upcoming school year.

LHUMC offers before and after care for children attending Linthicum Elementary School and for children in the church's afternoon preschool program. Call (410) 850-0778 or send an email to director@lhumcchildcare.org for more information.