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A little something can go a long way
Economy's free fall can't squelch county's giving spirit
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo
Volunteers from Calvary Chapel of Waldorf, Southern Maryland Christian Academy, Alpha Omega Delta Christian sorority and community members help to prepare baskets and bag turkeys.
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LifeStyles feeds 2,100
LifeStyles of Maryland, a nonprofit organization that provides services and programs to support the needs of the community, distributed turkeys to the community Nov. 24 and 25 at Wills Park in La Plata.
More than 400 turkeys and baskets were provided, mostly donated by G.S. Proctor & Associates.
LifeStyles also coordinated with numerous churches, civic organizations and private individuals to provide additional baskets for families. LifeStyles has been providing turkeys for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays for the last 10 years, and its outreach efforts have grown substantially over the years. This Thanksgiving holiday, LifeStyles fed 2,127 people through direct provision and coordination with other organizations.
For more information about this and other programs LifeStyles provides, call Sandy Washington at 301-609-9900, Ext. 215 or e-mail swashington@lifestylesofmd.org. The office is at 612 E. Charles St. in La Plata.
Good Shepherd's Angel Tree party
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church of Waldorf held its annual Angel Tree party Dec.20 for local children who have at least one parent who is unable to be with them this year because of incarceration or other reasons.
The event was held in the church's fellowship hall for more than 150 children, caregivers and volunteers.
Participants enjoyed caroling, storytelling and lots of food and presents.
The church purchased multiple gifts for each child and caregiver based on their individual requests.
The gifts were delivered to the children of inmates in their parent's name. Each gift delivery also presents an opportunity to share the love and hope of Christ with each family, according to a press release from Good Shepherd. Through Angel Tree, the children feel a parents' love, despite their absence and get to know that there are people who care.
For more information about the church and its programs, call 301-843-6797 or go to www.GSUMC.com.
Cops give to kids
The nation's tough economic times hit charities hard in 2008, leaving many nonprofit coordinators wondering whether they would be able to provide food, clothing and other necessities to disadvantaged families during the holiday season. Recognizing these unfortunate circumstances, the correctional officers of the Charles County Sheriff's Office raised money and collected food, toys and coats to donate to the Children's Aid Society, according to a sheriff's office press release.
The Corrections division first donated $1,500 to the society to help ensure a happy Thanksgiving for the families it serves. Then, in December, the division donated food, coats and toys to the organization for Christmas. Correctional officers are the unsung heroes of law enforcement but ours are certainly deserving of a lot of respect not only for performing their duties with professionalism and integrity, but also for their efforts to reach beyond the walls of the detention center to help our community," said Sheriff Rex W. Coffey (D), in the release. "I hope they helped spark the holiday spirit in many deserving families; their efforts certainly reminded me of what's most important."
Volunteer opportunities
Alternatives for Youth and Families Inc. is in need of foster parents and landlords for Southern Maryland teens with mental health issues. Call Janet Colby at 301-884-0312, Ext. 104.
Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Care Center in Waldorf is in need of volunteer carpenters, painters or handymen for upkeep and repairs around the center, as well as volunteer client advocates and receptionists. Call 301-870-4911.
Christmas in April Charles County is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rebuilding and repairing homes of elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Volunteers are needed for the group's annual National Rebuilding Day, which is held each April at a variety of locations in the county. Interested individuals or groups should e-mail cccia@comcast.net or call 301-392-0202 or 240-375-5459.
Southern Maryland March of Dimes is seeking volunteers and participants for the nonprofit's 2009 Charles County March for Babies events. Call 301-934-2235 or e-mail jabell@marchofdimes.com.
Southern Maryland chapter of the American Red Cross is in search of volunteers who want to use their skills, to promote community disaster education to the youth.. Teens and adults are welcome. Teens can earn community service hours as well as learn new skills. Call 888-276-2767 or 301-934-2066.
Alternatives for Youth and Families Inc. is in need of foster parents and landlords for Southern Maryland teens with mental health issues. Call Janet Colby at 301-884-0312, Ext. 104.
Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Care Center in Waldorf is in need of volunteer carpenters, painters or handymen for upkeep and repairs around the center, as well as volunteer client advocates and receptionists. Call 301-870-4911.
Christmas in April Charles County is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rebuilding and repairing homes of elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Volunteers are needed for the group's annual National Rebuilding Day, which is held each April at a variety of locations in the county. Interested individuals or groups should e-mail cccia@comcast.net or call 301-392-0202 or 240-375-5459.
Southern Maryland March of Dimes is seeking volunteers and participants for the nonprofit's 2009 Charles County March for Babies events. Call 301-934-2235 or e-mail jabell@marchofdimes.com.
Southern Maryland chapter of the American Red Cross is in search of volunteers who want to use their skills, to promote community disaster education to the youth.. Teens and adults are welcome. Teens can earn community service hours as well as learn new skills. Call 888-276-2767 or 301-934-2066.
