Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Abby Wilson

“Happiness Club was a lot of fun to do and it doesn’t just help others be happy… it helps yourself become happy. And also, I would just like to thank my mom, Project Happiness, Ms. Mauer, Kirsten, Lauren, Emma, Julie, Katelyn, and Amber for helping me start the Happiness Club and thanks for all the help/support and hopefully the Happiness Club will get bigger as we go!”

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Alice Schindler

Operation Paws for Homes (OPH rescue) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of dogs who have overcome great odds and deserve wonderful, caring forever homes. OPH is an all-breed dog rescue, and we take in dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages. These dogs are rescued from overcrowded, high-kill shelters in the southern region of the United States, primarily shelters in South and North Carolina, as well as Virginia. Our goal is to offer a second chance to dogs abandoned in shelters and out of time.

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Tim Abrahams

“I started mowing lawns in the downtown Silver Spring area off Dale Drive where I grew up at about age 12. Built the business up during high school and continued while at University of Maryland. After college I got a real job and hated it! So I started doing landscaping full time.”

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Michelle Tebor

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Michelle Tebor

“Silver Spring Creative Reuse is a community grassroots project. We collect unwanted art and office supplies and donate them to local teachers for educational and creative repurposing. We believe that teachers should not have to pay out of pocket for materials that already exist for free in our communities. By diverting these materials from the waste stream and into our classrooms we are reducing our environmental impact and teaching sustainability to the next generation.”

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: The Davis Family

“We want our children to be happy, yes. But more importantly, we want them to be kind. In many situations, we ask our kids, “What is the most important thing?” And they know the answer is “to be kind.” We want them to face the world with a kind heart.”

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Chris Richardson

“It’s up to us to maintain our precious green spaces. If you want to see where Sligo Creek trash ends up, take a pontoon boat ride at high tide on the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. In our section of Sligo Creek, I have personally seen egrets and great blue herons, as well as listserv photos of night herons, green herons, and wood ducks – one of the most impressive North American birds. Sligo Creek is well enjoyed by its residents for recreation and exercise; I see Councilmember Tom Hucker jogging there all the time.”

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Chase Spahr

“Because I usually get a lot of presents that I don’t really need, so instead I thought I could give it to people who couldn’t afford it (plus it was my mom’s idea). To be honest, I wasn’t super excited about it until I went to meet Max [Levitt, executive director] at Leveling the Playing Field.”

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Lana Anderson

Silver Spring Cares Superhero: Lana Anderson

“I think that it is important for kids to volunteer because it is good to show them it’s simple to help someone less fortunate than you, but to them it means the world. Not only do they get joy from your kind act, but you do too! The joy of giving is wonderful, and it leaves you with a sense that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. If you learn this at a young age it becomes something that sticks with you for life.”