March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

The Annapolis Yacht Club And The Salvation Army Unite To Spread The Joy Of Christmas

Members of the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) have united with The Salvation Army to bring holiday cheer to local children in need. This is the fourth year AYC has embraced The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which was introduced in 1979 to bring hope to children during the Christmas season.

Under the program, Angel Trees are set up at local businesses and decorated with paper angels that list a child’s name, age, and several items that child would like for Christmas. Participants then receive age-appropriate toys, clothing, and food donated by county residents and businesses.

With a record number of families in need this year, AYC looked to spread the joy of Christmas on to families reeling from economic turmoil. This year, more than 150 underprivileged children in the Annapolis area will receive gift contributions from staff and members of the Annapolis Yacht Club.

“Every year I am amazed at the generosity of the families at the Club,” said Tracie Parkinson, Member Services Director at the Annapolis Yacht Club. “It’s a blessing to the entire community that so many people continue to help area children get warm coats or a new toys for Christmas that they may otherwise never receive.”

Although ecstatic about the turnout, Tracie Parkinson was hardly surprised by the number of donations. “Whenever we ask our members to donate to a cause or the Club, there is no shortage of volunteers,” said Tracie. “It’s touching to know that the AYC community is made up of so many unselfish individuals who know just how important their contributions are to those who have less.”

With only a few angels remaining and the deadline for gift submission looming, Tracie thought of a great way to encourage some additional contributions by allowing members to charge donations to their Club account. Several members stepped up to the plate with some individuals donating over $200. Tracie took the funds and went shopping for those lone angels, ensuring that even more children’s eyes will light up on Christmas morning.

The Annapolis Yacht Club hopes that next year even more children will celebrate Christmas with help from The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and charitable members and staff of the Club.

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