CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA) Chapter 40-3 Southern Maryland is gearing up for its second annual Santa Run, scheduled for Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event invites the community to donate holiday wish-list items to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, providing a meaningful way to give back to those who served the nation.
This year, the Santa Run will feature a motorcycle procession through neighborhoods and stops at multiple locations across Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Motorcyclists, led by Motorcycle Santa and his elves, will make the following stops:
- 9:00 a.m. – Drum Point and Chesapeake Ranch Estates (Clubhouse Dr. and Rousby Hall Rd.)
- 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. – Lusby Ace Hardware
- 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. – Solomons Island Gazebo parking lot
- 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. – California WalMart parking lot
- 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. – Leonardtown Square
- 12:45 – 1:00 p.m. – Charlotte Hall WaWa
- 1:15 p.m. – Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
Donations can also be dropped off at Burger King locations in California and Charlotte Hall. Wish-list items include new personal care products such as laundry detergent, lotion, razors, after shave balm, ethnic hair care products, pajamas, and socks. Additionally, gift cards, radios, and large face clocks are also appreciated.
Amanda Bettencourt, an auxiliary member of CVMA® Maryland Chapter 40-3, shared that the event has grown significantly since its inaugural year. “This is our second year hosting this event. During the inaugural event, we raised $1,600 to purchase items off the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home resident’s Christmas wish list. We also collected gift donations along the route. This year, we’ve already doubled our donations, and we have a few weeks to go!”
Bettencourt also explained the process behind the event: “Prior to the event, we collect monetary donations and shop for gifts off the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home resident’s Christmas wish list. On event day, our chapter, led by Moto Santa, rides throughout Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, making stops along the way to spread some Christmas cheer. The event is free, but we welcome any gift donations from people who stop by to see Santa and his elves on their motorcycles. The ride culminates at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, where the chapter delivers the donations and spends some time with the residents.”
When asked about her favorite part of the event, Bettencourt emphasized the importance of supporting local veterans, particularly during the holiday season. “The holidays can be a tough time for people. The best part of this event is being able to support our local community and give back to those who served our country.”
CVMA® Maryland 40-3 is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to benefiting U.S. veterans and their families. Donations made during the event are tax-deductible, and 100% of the contributions will go directly to the veterans at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
For more information, contact the chapter at cvmamd40.3@gmail.com.
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