Southern Maryland Community Rallies Weekly To Support Families In Need

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A grassroots mutual aid effort serving Southern Maryland families continues to grow through word of mouth, community donations and neighbors helping neighbors. Organizers say rain, snow or cold weather never stop volunteers from showing up to make sure community members have what they need.

The group, known online as Feed the People, Free the People SOMD, operates weekly distribution tables in Lexington Park and Prince Frederick, offering free food and essential supplies with no identification or eligibility requirements.

The Lexington Park table runs most Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting, in the former Burger King parking lot along Great Mills Road. When snow left the lot unplowed recently, the nearby Lexington Park Library allowed organizers to temporarily use several parking spaces to continue distribution.

Organizers describe the effort as mutual aid rather than charity.

“We like to consider ourselves a gang of do-gooders,” said Don R., an organizer with Free the People, Feed the People and the Democratic Socialists of America who helps manage the Lexington Park table. “We started the tables to fill in the gaps where charity falls short and the government fails, especially when the federal government shuts down and people lose their EBT benefits. Our philosophy is simple: if you need it, and we have it, you get it. No questions, no ID required.”

Don said fear of shame often prevents people from asking for help and that many families are closer to crisis than they realize.

“The government puts people through too many hoops to receive aid of any kind, so it’s our job to make sure no one feels shamed when they need help,” he said. “Fear of shame is, in my experience, the number one reason people don’t like to ask for help. Everyone needs help at some point. Most people are 3 or 4 missed paychecks from being out on the street. The system in which we live makes sure of that.”

The Lexington Park table resumed operations in November 2025 after a hiatus, but organizers say the broader mutual aid effort has been active in Southern Maryland since 2020, continuing to evolve as demand and volunteer support grow.

This past weekend highlighted how quickly the community mobilizes. Volunteers realized Saturday morning that supplies were low and posted a call for donations. Within hours, residents responded with financial contributions, offers to shop and promises of goods.

By Sunday morning, community members were already waiting on-site with food, diapers and hygiene products as volunteers unloaded tables and set up. Throughout the morning, additional supporters stopped by asking what was most needed before heading to nearby stores.

Volunteers greet visitors with snacks and hot beverages, reinforcing what they describe as a welcoming, no-barrier environment.

Beyond the physical tables, the group operates an active online community with approximately 4,800 members. Residents use the page to post needs, offer extra items and coordinate support.

Recent posts have included a “Ride Share and Pick Up Thread” encouraging neighbors to help transport others to the Sunday table. Those offering rides are asked to share their location, available seats and how far they can travel. Organizers say shared rides have helped individuals who lack reliable transportation or are unable to drive due to the weather.

The online group has also connected residents with rides to job interviews, groceries for new parents, shared meals, baby supplies and information about additional services.

Organizers emphasize that the aid flows both ways. Individuals who come for certain items often bring others to contribute. Neighbors offer to deliver supplies to those unable to leave home due to ice or illness. Volunteers say the exchange is built on reciprocity.

A second table operates in Prince Frederick, and organizers plan to launch a La Plata location in Charles County in March.

In moments like these, it’s the strength of the community that stands out most. Neighbors supporting neighbors, local organizations stepping up, and volunteers giving their time all reflect what makes this area special. When challenges arise, the community answers — proving that no one has to face hardship alone and that together, we continue to lift one another up.

“If you need it, and we have it, you get it,” Don said.

Those interested in donating, seeking assistance or volunteering can follow the Feed the People, Free the People SOMD Facebook group for updates and information on how to get involved.

Contributions of any size will go directly toward supporting local families and individuals in need, helping ensure resources reach the community quickly and effectively.

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