Grace Helping Hands 2025 Annual Report

In 2025, Grace Helping Hands significantly expanded its reach across Maryland and Washington, DC-serving more families, distributing more essential items, and strengthening community partnerships through the dedication of our volunteers.

Welcome to the new Grace Helping Hands

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Grace Helping Hands was founded in 2024 on a simple but powerful idea: that hygiene kits—something often overlooked—deserve attention. Our founder, Manuella King, who has volunteered since 2008, noticed a recurring need while serving in community shelters and churches. While food, clothing, and shelter were always prioritized, women would quietly ask for pads or wipes, and mothers would request toiletries for their daughters. These moments left a lasting impression and inspired a mission built on compassion and dignity.

What began as a small effort—placing a few travel-sized hygiene products in organza bags and making them available at community events—quickly grew into something much larger. Each year, the need and impact have continued to grow.

On September 16, 2024, Grace Helping Hands proudly achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Since then, we’ve continued to expand our network of donors, supporters, and volunteers who share our vision. We’ve also established a Board of Directors whose expertise and passion are guiding us toward sustainable growth and a brighter future.

As of October 2024, we’ve distributed 1,120 hygiene kits across Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, D.C. We’ve also welcomed new partners, including Food and Care for All (FCFA) in Howard County and Annapolis Light House in Anne Arundel County.

  • FCFA is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting food security, health education, and access to quality healthcare for underserved communities in Maryland.
  • Annapolis Light House is a community-based organization focused on rebuilding lives by providing shelter, preventing homelessness, and empowering individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency.

Both partnerships officially began on October 28, 2025, marking a new chapter in our growth and outreach.

If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@gracehelpinghands.org to learn about upcoming kit-making events or complete our volunteer interest form to find opportunities that match your skills and availability.

A Fresh Look for a Growing Mission

In October 2025, Grace Helping Hands underwent a redesign! We’re thrilled to share our new, updated website, created to enhance our digital presence and help us reach even more communities in need. Take a moment to explore the new site—and don’t hesitate to send your comments or suggestions. We’d love your feedback! Share our website with friends, community leaders, or organizations that may benefit from our services.

If you know of a community or organization that could use our support, email us with a kit distribution request—we’re here to help.

Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter for updates on events, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities. As we continue expanding our digital outreach, we want you to be part of our journey every step of the way.

Lastly, consider making a donation—whether monetary or through hygiene products. Every contribution helps ensure we can continue to provide dignity, care, and support to those who need it most.

Together, we can make sure no one goes without the essentials.

Welcoming the New Year with Exciting News: Partnering with LARS

2025 is already off to a great start here at Grace Helping Hands! We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) — an incredible organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need throughout the Laurel community.

To kick off this partnership, we recently delivered 60 hygiene kits to LARS. Each kit was thoughtfully assembled to meet the everyday needs of those they serve, helping bring comfort and dignity to community members facing difficult circumstances.

This delivery marks more than just a milestone — it’s the start of a collaboration built on shared values of compassion, care, and community support. We’re looking forward to growing alongside LARS this year, combining our efforts to reach even more people and make an even greater impact together.

As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, we’re filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunities to serve, connect, and uplift. With partners like LARS by our side, we know the year ahead will be filled with collaboration, hope, and meaningful change.

Here’s to new beginnings and stronger partnerships — together, we’re making a difference one kit at a time.

2024 In Review: A Transformative Beginning

2024 was a transformative year for Grace Helping Hands, marking the launch of our mission to uplift homeless women and children by providing essential toiletry kits and restoring dignity through compassion in action.

Founded in Columbia, Maryland, on August 26, 2024, Grace Helping Hands sprang into action with a clear vision — to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing housing insecurity.

Operational Highlights

In December 2024, we took our first major step forward, distributing 370 toiletry kits to women and children experiencing homelessness. Each kit provided not just vital hygiene supplies, but also a message of care, hope, and community support.

This effort was made possible through strong partnerships with incredible local organizations, including:

  • City of Refuge, Baltimore
  • Community Action Council of Howard County
  • Grassroots Crisis Intervention
  • Laurel Multiservice Center
  • Interfaith Works

Achievements

  • Delivered 370 toiletry kits in December 2024, offering immediate relief to those in need.
  • Forged impactful partnerships with local shelters and community organizations, expanding our reach and deepening our impact.
  • Established a dedicated and visionary Board of Directors to guide our growth.
  • Completed all essential registrations, certifications, and planning documents, laying a strong foundation for our mission’s future.

As we look ahead, we are filled with gratitude for the support and partnerships that made our first year such a success. 2024 was just the beginning — and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025, reaching more families and creating lasting change together.