LEXINGTON PARK, Maryland — The Grinch and Santa are teaming up to offer holiday cheer, candy canes, meal boxes, and even toilet paper to those in need on Christmas Eve.
They’ll be on hand for a Christmas Eve drive-thru event that combines a good time with a good cause.
Organizer Kathryn Weatherly said her work as President of the Leonardtown Elementary PTA inspired to reach out to families in need of both emotional and financial support. “This year our focus has been on being a light during such a dark time. We’re learning a new way of doing things and with that comes many challenges. I’m home with my 6 children and learning a new way of life.”
Weatherly said she realizes that most families in their area are fortunate compared to others hit hard financially by COVID. “I’ve been on a mission with wonderful people to create additional outreach opportunities.”
The group sponsored 15 local families to bring a Merry Christmas to 40 kids. But they didn’t stop there.
The PTA partnered with Food Lion’s ‘Food Lion Feeds’ program. Shoppers at the store purchase meal boxes to donate to families in need at the checkout. The effort was a huge success. So, much so that the PTA distributed food boxes to families in need throughout the community and has some left to give away at the Grinchmas event.
Weatherly said the idea for the drive through event came from realizing that the isolation of COVID hits people just as hard as the financial burden. A drive-by parade at the school was such a hit, she decided to try it at home. Her home is already part of the Holly Jolly Light Display. “My neighbor has a Grinch costume. We have a Santa costume. I thought, gosh, we have so many resources. Why not share?”
Grinchmas will take place on Christmas Eve between 7 and 9 pm at 20924 Sawgrass Drive in Lexington Park. Visitors can stop to take a picture outside. 
There will be candy canes and also meal boxes and toilet paper for those in need. Weatherly said her father was a military chaplain and she’s following his example of bringing light into the dark. “If we want to build stronger communities, this is what we need to do. If people need bridge, we build a bridge whether it’s food, shelter, or even a smile. It any year has taught us, we need to be more intentional.”