Community Corner
Community Organizes Holiday Help for Those in Need
The local police an fire departments are working with local churches to deliver Christmas to hundreds of families in west county.
Members of the community in west Anne Arundel County are stepping up big for low-income families in the area this holiday season.
The local fire and police department, local churches and other community groups have organized a series of efforts ranging from toy drives, clothing collections and deliveries of holiday meals.
Police and Firefighters Assist Motel Residents
On Thursday evening, dozens of residents met at the Odenton Volunteer Fire Co. to discuss efforts to assist the nearly 200 children living in motels in Odenton and Laurel, including more than 30 residing at the Royal Inn on Annapolis Road.
The effort is being spearheaded by members of the Anne Arundel Police Department, local firefighters and members of the Abundant Life Church.
Anne Arundel County Police Lt. Steve Thomas said it's the second year the community has worked to deliver Christmas gifts to low-income families, including some children who are living without adults in the motels.
"I'm optimistic we can take care of these 200 and then hopefully we can spread it out to even more children," Thomas said. "These kids steal your heart ... it's contagious."
Local restaurants have been delivering meals for families at the Royal Inn for most of the fall. On the evening of Dec. 2, police will organize a Christmas party for Royal Inn residents, and Santa Claus is scheduled to appear.
The public can help collect toys, clothing and other items through Dec. 11, and volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts.
Suggested gift items include:
- Children's clothing (sizes 0-16), with a special need for pajamas.
- New toys for children of all ages
- Toiletries
- Women's attire and beauty gift sets
- Gift cards for Walmart and other stores
- Bottled water
- Wrapping paper and tape
"I've got a lot of little elves that would much rather be picking stuff up than waxing equipment," said Odenton Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Ray Hodgson.
For more information or to arrange for a drop-off, call Hodgson at 240-882-5831.
Churches to Deliver 180 Thanksgiving Meals
The Christian Assistance Program has received orders for 180 Thanksgiving gift baskets for local families. That represents 481 people, according to CAP vice president Allen Gantt. One anonymous volunteer adopted 10 families for the holiday, representing 76 people.
Volunteers are needed to assist in collecting the materials for the baskets on Monday, Nov. 25. A group is gathering at 8:30 a.m. at Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church to go and pick up the items.
Then at 11 a.m., more volunteers will be needed to pack the 180 gift bags, which will be delivered on Nov. 26.
Business Group to Deliver Meals, Hold Holiday Party
TradeNet, a group of local businesses in the area, will hold a Christmas party for 33 homeless children on Dec. 11 at the Gambrills General Store.
Additionally, TradeNet is delivering Thanksgiving meals for six local families, with food and supplies donated by J. King's Restaurant. TradeNet has committed to providing food for needy families throughout the year.
Tails on Trails Holds Drive for Pets
Tails on Trails is collecting dog and cat food, pet treats and cat litter to support pet owners in need. All collections will go to support Thankful Paws, a mobile food bank supporting veterans, the elderly and low-income people with pets. The group said 4-pound bags of food are ideal, along with flea and tic medicine for cats and dogs.
For more information, email Lisa@tailsontrails.net or 855-925-5597, option 1.
Toys 4 Tots Goes Big in Anne Arundel
The Marine Corps is expected to collect toys for nearly 5,000 families in Anne Arundel County. Capt. Pete Smith, the former council member for District 2, is the main organizer and said the collection could mean toys for 6,000 kids at its Glen Burnie warehouse alone.
Meanwhile, toys are already piling up at the Toys 4 Tots collection site at Anne Arundel County Community College.
Volunteers will be needed at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 to help sort toys at the Glen Burnie warehouse.
For a full list of Toys 4 Tots drop-off locations go to the Toys 4 Tots website.
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