Once again St. Maryโ€™s County Correctionโ€™s staff adopted a St. Maryโ€™s County family to help brighten their Christmas.ย  Correctional Officers and civilian employees have rallied together for the past 16 years.ย  The employees donated money to purchase gifts and food for a family in need.ย  Senior Administrative Coordinator Leann Quade and Administrative Coordinator Valerie Hayden work with St. Maryโ€™s County Department of Aging & Human Services to identify a family.

This holiday season the Detention Center staff collected over $600.00.ย  They purchase bicycles & helmets, a Leap Frog Learning System, winter coats, gloves, pajamaโ€™s, toys and gift cards for their adopted familyโ€™s children who are ages 6 and 4.ย ย 

โ€œChildren have no control over their parentโ€™s financial situation.ย  Our employees are very fortunate and we want to share our good fortune.ย  The moment we see the kidโ€™s faces light when Santa hands them their presents we know we have made a difference.ย  I am very proud of my co-workerโ€™s generosity and support of others in need.โ€ (Valerie Hayden)

โ€œOn behalf of the St. Maryโ€™s County Detention Centerโ€™s Corrections Officers and civilian personnel, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.โ€ (Captain Michael Merican, Commander, St. Maryโ€™s County Detention Center)ย ย