Annapolis, MD (October 14, 2005)- Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens is applauding the Department of Social Services today, for their participation in the Holiday Sharing Program, which recently won the "Volunteer Project Hall of Fame Award." County Executive Owens says, "The Department of Social Services has been an outstanding leader in this area for years. I am so proud of the dedicated staff, dependable volunteers and generosity to county residents," said Ms. Owens. The Holiday Sharing Program began 25 years ago and works with 26 other community organizations in Anne Arundel County. The Holiday Sharing Program matches individuals, businesses and organizations with families and seniors to ensure a happy holiday season with food, gifts and toys. The 20 volunteers and 3 staff members run the program. Last year alone, the Department of Social Services’ Holiday Sharing Program along with the other community organizations helped a total of 5,488 Anne Arundel County residents during the Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays. This is the second annual "Volunteer Hall of Fame Awards", hosted by the Volunteer Center of Anne Arundel County, and the first year a government category was established. "We are so excited that the Holiday Sharing Program is the first government agency to receive this award, and I personally want to thank the Medical Society and the generous members of the community who reach out to help their neighbors through this program," said Director of Anne Arundel County Social Services Marci Kennai. The mission of the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County, who hosted the awards, is to connect people and resources through volunteerism in order to create a vibrant community countywide. |
