On Thanksgiving Day, Amanda Adams sits down for dinner with her husband, her two kids and about 30 young residents at The Children’s Home in Catonsville.
It’s a holiday tradition she’s maintained with her family for the last 13 years.
Adams, a banker from Atlanta, moved to the Baltimore area with her husband years ago and worked as a volunteer with the youth residential home at the recommendation of a colleague.
With no family in town once the holidays arrived, Adams’ husband Charley suggested the two pull up a chair at The Children’s Home’s annual Thanksgiving meal. The idea grew along with Adams’ family.
“It was just my husband and myself having dinner with the children there, and we’ve made it a tradition ever since,” she said. “Now we bring our kids with us as well to the home.”
Adams said she looks forward to eating the southern-inspired meal reminiscent of her Georgia roots, served every year around noon. She also relishes the opportunity to bond with the kids, catching up with familiar faces and getting to know new residents.
“They’re always extremely welcoming to their home and they always make sure that we’re not sitting by ourselves and engaging in conversation,” she said. “It’s really nice to do every year.”
Andre Cooper, CEO of The Children’s Home, said the Adams family’s act of generosity is appreciated across the campus.
“Now that it’s a tradition, some kids and staff who know her look forward to it,” Cooper said. “I think it also makes the kids feel pretty important that folks who don’t really know them, want to get to know them, and take time away from their family to be part of the family here.”
Adams said she hopes her children—8-year-old Scarlette, 5-year-old Chase, and a little one due in February—will continue the tradition with their families and pass on the true meaning of home.
“[The annual dinner] taught me what home is truly about,” she said. “It’s about a place where you feel loved and that’s what The Children’s Home provides.”
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