Olivet is honored to be one of the participating churches in SMILE, Inc., an ecumenical, indedendent, nonprofit organization here in Lusby. SMILE (Service Makes Individual Lives Exciting) began in 1991 as an effort led by laypersons and clergy from 7 Christian congregations. SMILE's founding congregations include Patuxent Presbyterian, Solomons United Methodist Church (now the Solomons Mission Center), Christ Episcopal Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Middleham and St. Peter's Episcopal Parish, Southern Calvert Baptist Church, St. John United Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Harvest Fellowship, Eastern United Methodist Church, and Olivet United Methodist Church.
From the beginning, SMILE's goal has been to address the issues of those in need within southern Calvert County, specifically those living south of Broomes Island Road. SMILE's food pantry is chiefly supported by its thrift store; sales from the thrift store (featuring low-cost clothing & various household items) support both the food pantry and the financial assistance program. SMILE is volunteer-led, with its Board of Directors made up of every clergy person and two lay representatives from each participating congregation. SMILE's leaders are always happy to train new volunteers for both the thrift store and food pantry!
For more information, check out SMILE's website.
SMILE's Operating Hours
Mondays: 9:00AM - 10:00AM (food pantry)
Wednesdays: 10:00AM - 2:00PM (food pantry & thrift store)
Fridays: 10:00AM - 12:00PM (food pantry & thrift store)
Saturdays: 9:00AM - 12:00PM (food pantry & thrift store)
Thrift Store Donation Times
Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 10:00AM - 1:15PM
Saturdays: 9:00AM - 11:15AM