UPDATED: Two campaigns fulfilled, but donations still needed for holiday giving

(Nov. 30, 2020) As part of its expanded holiday gift-giving outreach this year, Ocean Pines staff are seeking specific donations to help brighten the holidays for two local families.  

The Association is seeking gift cards, new shirts, pants and shoes, and other toys/gift items for the children of two local families. To inquire about specific interests and sizes, email Senior Executive Assistant Michelle Bennett at [email protected]. Donations should be dropped off by Monday, Dec. 14.

Ocean Pines will also continue to collect 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 by Dec. 14. 

Bennett said the expanded holiday outreach by Ocean Pines was driven by the once-in-a-century impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As the holiday season approaches, many in the community 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.  

Bennett has led an effort to help brighten the holidays, which 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.  
 

Two campaigns already fulfilled 

As of November, Ocean Pines’ Recreation and Parks and Aquatics departments had each held successful donation drives.  

Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, begun in 2016 in cooperation with Home Instead Senior Care, gave out all of the “tags” on its Christmas tree. 

Each tag represented a local senior and included their specific wants and needs. Donors chose the tags, and then returned wrapped gifts to the Ocean Pines Community Center.  

“We love offering this program to the community,” Donahue said. “This year, we were not sure [Home Instead] 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.” 

Donahue added that those interested in participating could still do so “virtually.” 

“They do have the option to go online and donate, and would still able to offer a Christmas present to a senior and bring a smile to their face,” Donahue said. 

To do so, visit www.beasantatoasenior.com, search the zip code 21811 under “FInd a Tree,” choose a bulb from the virtual tree, and buy an item(s) on Amazon.com to be delivered to a local senior. 

Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips said the Aquatics Department fulfilled all of its “Angel Tree” requests. Similar to the Recreation and Parks Program, the “Angel Tree” held tags representing local families, with donors choosing a family to sponsor and then returning to the Sports Core Pool with wrapped gifts.   

Phillips said the department would continue to accept donations of Food Lion and Walmart gift cards, which would go to local families.  

“The Aquatics Department started the Angel Tree in 2014 and we have been helping multiple local families through Worcester County GOLD for the last six years,” Phillips said. “The angels on our tree go super-fast, and the community is extremely giving, which has made this event a success.”  
 

Help brighten the holidays 

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

Most 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.