Dominique Youngblood

Phone: (410) 269-4786

Email: dominique.youngblood1@maryland.gov

HOLIDAY SHARING PROGRAM HOSTS CONTACT-FREE DELIVERY TO HELP FAMILIES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Nov. 17, 2020) —Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services Office of Community Initiatives and Programs will host their 41st Annual Holiday Sharing Program to help families in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families in our community will face challenges providing for themselves this year. The Holiday Sharing Program matches donors to seniors and/or families in need. It is our priority to help families make the most of such a special time.

This year, donors can choose Contact-Free delivery directly to their designated home. Donors also have the option to order food, or gifts from a store, and have the client pick it up directly. Several local stores offer delivery services including Safeway, Shoppers, Target, and Giant. Contact- free delivery minimizes human contact from families passing along items, and also assures social distancing for families that may be at higher risk.

Last year, the Holiday Sharing Program was able to assist over 5,000 families and seniors. Working in partnership with these organizations, a total of 5,576 families and seniors throughout Anne Arundel County received food and or gifts for the holidays. The Holiday Sharing Program continues to be one of the largest in the State of Maryland, matching donors directly to families and seniors.

Families and Seniors (65 and older) who are eligible, receive a letter from the Department of Social Services, allowing these customers to complete an application for the program. To be eligible these customers have an active SNAP and/or TCA benefits prior to September 1st, 2020.

“The true meaning of the holiday for me is giving and helping others, so for years I’ve signed up to help a family. My daughter, mother and I all shop for the adopted family. We’ve done this since my daughter was young, to help her understand the blessing in giving to others. The highlight is always the smiles on the children’s faces when we deliver the gifts,” director, Carnitra White shared.

Persons who prefer, may send a tax-deductible contribution, which will be used to provide food/gifts for those families/seniors in your area .

For questions, please contact us at 410-269-4462 or community.programs@maryland.gov For more information about becoming a donor, please visit our website: www.aacounty.org/holiday-sharing .

Program details are as follows:

WHO: Department of Social Services, Office of Community Initiatives and Programs Donors/ Sponsors for Holiday Sharing

Families in need during holiday season

LINK TO APPLY: www.aacounty.org/holiday-sharing