Announcement

OP staff to expand holiday gift giving

Thursday, November 12, 2020

(Nov. 13, 2020) After a difficult year like no other, Ocean Pines Association staff are banding together to try and expand holiday gift-giving outreach to more local people than ever.

The once-in-a-century impact of the COVID-19 pandemic not only affected the health and safety of people in Ocean Pines and throughout the world, but it also devastated the economy and left many people struggling to pay bills and put food on the table.

As the holiday season approaches, many in Ocean Pines continue to feel the effects of COVID-19, from families wondering how they’ll manage to put gifts under trees for their children, to the large senior population that all year has struggled with health concerns and extended periods of isolation.

Because of that, Senior Executive Assistant Michelle Bennett is leading an effort to help brighten the holidays, an effort that started by reaching out to local nonprofits and other agencies to find those in the community who are most in need.

“This year has been particularly hard on our local community, and I would like to help ease the burden at least a little,” Bennett said.

Bennett said Ocean Pines is seeking donations of nonperishable food and pet supplies, as well as new toys, clothing and blankets to distribute to organizations like Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, and Worcester County Social Services.

Donations may be dropped off at the Ocean Pines Administration Building, Community Center, Public Works Building, Golf Clubhouse, or Sports Core Pool during normal business hours.

Other holiday drives sponsored by individual Ocean Pines departments this year include:

Angel Tree

The Ocean Pines Aquatics Department will continue its Angel Tree program, begun in 2014.

Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips said the program collects specific items for local families. To take part, simply visit the Sports Core Pool on 11144 Cathell Road, take an angel from the tree that lists an item, and then donate wrapped items back to the Sports Core Pool office.

“Once we receive everything back, we drop off those gift items for the individual families,” Phillips said. “The Aquatics Department started the Angel Tree and we have been helping multiple local families through Worcester County GOLD for the last six years. The angels on our tree go super-fast, and the community is extremely giving, which has made this event a success.”

Be a Santa to a Senior

Since 2016, the Recreation and Parks Department has partnered with Home Instead Senior Care during what can be an especially tough season for many seniors.

Similar to the Angel Tree concept, Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said each year Home Instead Senior Care brings a Christmas tree to the Community Center on 235 Ocean Parkway. The foundation hangs several name tags on the tree, with each including the wants and needs of a local senior.

“You can stop by and grab a name tag, and then return the wrapped gifts to the Community Center to be picked up by Home Instead to be delivered,” Donahue said.

“We love offering this program to the community,” she continued. “This year, we were not sure they would be able to continue to offer this to the community, but we are so glad that they contacted us and asked if we would still participate. This program offers those seniors something to look forward to during the holiday season.”

Help brighten the holidays

Bennett said the goal of each program is to help make the holidays just a little more cheerful for Ocean Pines residents in need, from families with young children, to local seniors.

Virtually all Ocean Pines departments will take part in the effort, including Police, Public Works, Administration, Finance, Public Relations, and the various amenities.

“My motto is ‘Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you,’” Bennett said, citing the late Diana, Princess of Wales. For more information or questions, contact Bennett at [email protected], or call 410-641-7717.

Announcement

OP staff to expand holiday gift giving

Angel Tree

Be a Santa to a Senior

Help brighten the holidays

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