SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Communities across Southern Maryland are coming together to support the families affected by a tragic plane crash, offering everything from fundraising events and donation drives to personalized memorial services. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals have stepped up to provide financial assistance, grief counseling, and emotional support to those grieving the sudden loss of their loved ones.
The tragedy occurred on Jan. 29, 2025, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., claiming the lives of all 67 individuals on board. The victims included several Southern Maryland residents, whose loss has sent shockwaves through their families, workplaces, and communities.
If you are a business or organization offering support to the families affected by this tragedy, please reach out to us at news@thebaynet.com to be added to our list of resources. Your efforts can make a meaningful difference, and we want to help connect the community with the support they need during this difficult time.
Local Businesses Step Up to Support Families
Jack & Juni of Owings, Md., is offering a variety of support options to families impacted by the crash.
“To the families affected, our hearts go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that your community is here for you, offering support and standing alongside you every step of the way,” the business stated.
Jack & Juni is helping families create personalized fundraisers, offering gift boxes for children and siblings, and providing custom memorial plaques. Additionally, they are contributing $40 to each family’s GoFundMe page through their “5% Mama Fund,” which supports families in need through a portion of their sales. Families can submit nominations for support at jackandjuni.com/nomination.
For more information visit the Jack & Juni Facebook page and the direct link.
Chesapeake Life Center – Hospice of the Chesapeake, located in Waldorf, Prince Frederick and Largo, is offering “services to community members whose loved one was not cared for by Hospice of the Chesapeake. For these community members, counseling is offered on a sliding fee scale. We do not bill to or participate in any insurance plans directly, but can provide you with an invoice to submit to your insurance or health savings plan.” They are also offering free drop-in grief sessions at five locations in Calvert County. More information is available at hospicechesapeake.org and Facebook.
Cassie Ackerson Photography, a Southern Maryland baby and child photographer based in Calvert County, is offering free photo editing services for obituaries and memorials.
“To those who lost loved ones, we mourn with you. To the first responders and emergency crews, thank you for your courage. And to our community—let’s lean on each other and hold our loved ones a little closer today,” Ackerson said. Families in need of assistance can reach out via her Facebook page.
Imaginarium Indoor Playspace in Solomons, Md., is hosting a fundraising event on Thursday, Feb. 6, to support families impacted by the crash. Families can sign up for a free one-hour play session in exchange for bringing a gift card or cash donation. All proceeds will go directly to the affected families.
“We will have a letter and card-making station set up for kids to create pictures and letters to send to the children of the families impacted,” Imaginarium stated. Food and drinks will be provided by Slim Chickens, Savy Sips, and Imaginarium. More details are available on the Facebook event page.
How You Can Help
For those looking to support the families affected by the crash, several fundraisers and donation opportunities are available:
- Hunt Club GoFundMe for the 7 Southern Maryland Families
- SOMD Strong Merchandise
- GoFundMe for the Stovall Family
- Meal Train for the Prewitt Family
- GoFundMe for the Prewitt Family
- Meal Train for the Clagett Girls
- GoFundMe for the Clagett Family
- Meal Train for the McDaniel Family
- GoFundMe for Reed (Kristie Baxter)
- GoFundMe for the Boyd Family
- GoFundMe for the Johnson Family
- GoFundMe for the Huffman Family
- UA Trust from Steamfitters 602
- Huntin’ with Jacob Gun Raffle to Benefit the 8 Families
As Southern Maryland mourns the tragic loss of its community members, these efforts reflect the resilience and compassion of the region, offering vital support to the families affected.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
