Children’s Aid Society has been helping Charles County’s disadvantaged during the holidays for more than twenty years with their annual Christmas Connection program, which helps local families in need have a happy Christmas.
In an interview at the Children’s Aid Society Craig Renner, of American Community Properties Trust (ACPT), introduced the organizations chairman, Earle Knapp as a key volunteer for the annual St. Charles Christmas Parade. ACPT sponsors the parade, which benefits the Christmas Connection program.
“It’s been my baby for eight years,” Knapp proudly proclaimed, then proceeded to list the many ways that Children’s Aid Society helps Charles County. The list is long.
The most noticeable way, during the holiday season, is through Christmas Connection. The program provides residents with a way to give back to the community and build a sense of connectedness.
Children’s Aid society was first organized through the cooperation of government and religious organizations that were all trying to meet the needs of families in the community. By combining their efforts they can serve a much larger portion of the community. With Christmas Connection alone, the Children’s Aid Society helps about 1,000 families and 3,000 children.
Renner told The Bay Net that Christmas Connection is seeking groups in the community who would like to participate in the St. Charles Christmas Parade. The event begins at Stoddert Middle School on Saturday December 1st at 2 p.m. and winds around the Smallwood Village Shopping Center.
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| Craig Renner (left) and Earle Knapp |
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The 2005 Christmas Parade. |
Westlake Marching Band and other community organizations like 4H and the Humane Society are already signed up for the event.
“It really is a traditional community parade,” said Renner
Organizers will provide free popcorn and the American Red Cross will provide hot cocoa, to boot! Oh, and don’t forget the big guy. Santa will appear in the parade, too!
The purpose of the event, besides wonderful parade for everybody to enjoy, is to collect donations for Christmas Connection. Individuals and organizations attending the parade are asked to bring new unwrapped toys or make financial contributions, but donations are voluntary. Organizers encourage everybody to come out and enjoy the parade whether they are able to donate or not.
Every year Christmas Connection has a particular need for gifts appropriate for 13-18 year olds, such as music, electronics and games. For some reason, donations for that age group are traditionally scarce.
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