Each year the St. Mary’s County Division of Community Services coordinates the Christmas Caring Program for families that have been identified by the Dept of Social Services as being in need of assistance during the Christmas Holidays.
Churches, businesses, civic organizations, schools, families and individuals donate gifts of food, gift cards, clothing and toys for children ranging from infants to high-school age.
“As of late November, we already have over 500 families to apply and based on what I’ve seen in the past, more requests will continue to come in as we get closer to Christmas”, states Cynthia Brown, Division Manager.
This is a local program and all families assisted are exclusively from St. Mary’s and ALL donations stay strictly within this county. This is not a tri-county, regional or national program but one that affords St. Mary’s Countians an opportunity to specifically reach out to their neighbors.
Anyone interested in making the holidays extra special for children and families should contact the Division of Community Services at 301-475-4200, ext.1851 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.
Additionally, any organization that is already involved in helping the community during the Christmas season is encouraged to make contact in order to better coordinate assistance going to families and avoid any duplication of effort.