ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — As Christmas in April St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Inc. marks 35 years of service, the long-standing organization faces a pivotal moment: a change in leadership. With founding members and longtime leaders Darene Kleinsorgen and Howard Thompson preparing to step down, the group is actively seeking new volunteers and fresh leadership to carry on its mission of repairing homes for low-income, elderly and disabled residents.
Christmas in April (CIA) St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Inc. is an organization dedicated to rehabilitating the homes of low-income homeowners, especially the elderly and disabled, so they can live in warmth, safety and independence. The organization also supports community projects throughout St. Mary’s County.
The group recently held its Neighbors Helping Neighbors day on April 26, where 11 homes were repaired, and two groups worked on community projects at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds.
“It went really well,” said Darene Kleinsorgen, the current executive director.
However, there was some uncertainty in the community about whether the organization will continue next year. Kleinsorgen confirmed that leadership is in transition.
“Our leadership is changing. The current leaders have been working with CIA for all of the 35 years it has existed. We are in the process of seeing what lies ahead for the organization. We are hoping to have a new group come forward to continue the good work of CIA in St. Mary’s County,” she explained.
Current President Howard Thompson also mentioned that he and Kleinsorgen would be stepping down after 35 years, but that they would still be involved in the organization in smaller roles. Thompson also noted that Ken Ritter, current board member and the organization’s new organizer, will run for president during the upcoming elections in September.
“Ken is a good house captain who takes on some of the tougher projects, so the organization is in good hands,” Kleinsorgen added.
Ritter, who has worked with CIA for several years, shared some of the challenges the organization faces.
“One of the main issues is getting people who need the help to apply. Some don’t have access to the internet and have to rely on family to reach out and apply for them,” he said.
Kleinsorgen also provided some history about the organization, which has been helping St. Mary’s County residents since its founding in 1988.
“The name ‘Christmas in April’ originated in Midland, Texas, when a group of volunteers helped repair a needy person’s home. The homeowner remarked that it felt like having Christmas in April. The program was then created and brought to Maryland by Cap Mona in Prince George’s County. John K. Parlett Jr. introduced it to St. Mary’s County and served as the first president. Our main repair day is the last Saturday in April, but we help with ramps and heat all year round, when we have the money and volunteers.”
Ritter and Thompson both emphasized that the organization operates nearly year-round, often working 10 months out of the year to assist applicants.
“House captains go into the house to see what needs to be done, direct the volunteers and order supplies,” Ritter said.
As the organization looks to the future, both Kleinsorgen and Ritter stressed that the group would continue into the next year, but they would need to recruit new, younger volunteers and spread the word about the services available to those in need.
Those interested in helping with Christmas in April can reach out at http://www.christmasinaprilsmc.org/.
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