When looking to give charitable donations, many people turn to food banks, churches and nonprofit groups. In Bowie, many donors know of another option: Gloria Brown.

The 68-year-old grandmother has a knack for finding people in the community in need and connecting them with donated resources, friends said. Her car is rarely free of donated items, ranging from freshly baked cupcakes and canned goods to secondhand clothing, Brown said.

"I just look for people with problems, and I try to help them out," Brown said.

Bowie City Councilwoman Diane Polangin (Dist. 2) said Brown's willingness to help others has been a character trait since they first met more than 20 years ago.

"She's done it since I've known her, and that's one of the things that endeared me to her," Polangin said.

Friends and organizers said Brown's giving personality has been contagious and lead to the organization of many beneficial programs and giveaways.

Through her church, Bowie United Methodist Church, Brown has spearheaded the organization of Thanksgiving and Christmas gift and food baskets, said Pastor David Graves. Graves said Brown has been the key to the church's outreach because of the community ties she has developed during more than 60 years of living in Bowie.

"She's a real spark for helping us stay involved," Graves said.

In October, church congregants participated in an employment mentoring program that Brown helped lead to give teenagers advice on resumes and job interviews. The workshop was held at the Huntington Community Center in Bowie, where Brown works part time.

John Shepherd, director of Huntington Community Center, said Brown is like a grandmother to the children that spend time there. Through her part-time employment at the center, she has devised programs that teach self-esteem and good character to the children, he said.

She began working there 15 years ago reading books to children, but she soon began organizing programs for seniors and is now in charge of taking them on monthly trips.

She also runs a program called The Sophisticats, for girls ages 6 to 13, which provides activities on school holidays while teaching them character-building lessons.

It is her commitment to looking out for others' needs that has made her such a valuable asset to the entire community, Shepherd said.