Since 1983, local business owner Mike Schwartz has been lending a helping hand to the St. Mary’s County community. Inspired by a house fire and the assistance he received afterward, Schwartz began an annual turkey drive that provides those in need with food packages during the holiday season.  

Schwartz started raising money before Thanksgiving and has pledged to take a thousand names, but helps as many as he can. Working with the County’s Christmas Caring program and local faith-based organizations, Schwartz said, “This gives them a Christmas dinner and let’s them know there’s someone out there that cares.” Last year he delivered 1135 turkeys.
 
“The amount of families that need help is way up,” Schwartz said, adding that he hopes to also assist the elderly and working poor that can’t get assistance elsewhere. Schwartz said donations of cash, food and volunteer support is needed and that he will never turn down anything. He commented on the community spirit within the County and complimented repeat sponsors the Lexington Park Rotary and Remax for consistent support.  
 
Office of Community Services Director Cynthia Brown confirmed the economy’s toll, stating, “The need is higher this year than it’s ever been.” The Christmas Caring Program, which allows private and business sponsors to adopt a low-income family, providing them with wish list items for the holidays, has seen the database of those in need grow with sponsorship becoming less available. Brown said of the 930 qualifying families for the program, roughly 400 had been adopted.  Brown said she considers it her responsibility to coordinate the efforts of helping resources so the help can be spread further.
 
The green Mike’s Bikes bus will be parked at the Wal-Mart in California beginning Saturday, Dec. 12, accepting donations of any kind. Help with operations out of the Zion United Methodist Church Dec.15-18 and out of Mike’s Bikes Dec. 19 through Christmas Eve will ensure as many families get reached as possible. Volunteers or sponsors are encouraged to contact Mike Schwartz at 301-863-7887.
 
Brown also called on those able to help this season to consider adopting a family through the Christmas Caring Program or to make a cash or gift card donation. More information is available by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1849.