The Santa House announces suspension of operations for 2016

September 27, 2016

Jennifer Flueckiger,

Dena Holloway, President of Santa House, released a statement saying that The Santa House is suspending its operation for the 2016 season due of lack of facility space.

The release explains that Santa House is a non-profit organization, which started in the 1990’s as part of a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office community outreach program, and has helped over 20,244 children from 8,275 families and given packages to 779 elderly citizens in Worcester County since it began.

The Santa House has apparently been searching for a 5,000 square foot building to operate out of since the end of the 2013 Christmas season.

The space is needed as the release states, “This area is used to sort the food, toys and clothing to be distributed to the families. The items are bagged for the individual families and moved to the distribution centers. The various distribution locations are the Ocean City Police Department, Showell Fire Department, Snow Hill Lions Club and Pocomoke Fair Grounds.”

“Without a building it is impossible to operate the Santa House Program. Therefore, we are taking this time to evaluate the program and assess how to serve the citizens and children of Worcester County and keeps our search going for a location,” said Dena Holloway.

So, because of not having a facility space, and an unclear future for the organization itself, the Santa House has closed its doors for the 2016 season.

“We would be remised to not thank Atlantic General Hospital for being our host for 2014 and 2015 Christmas Season,” Holloway added. “Without their generosity and thoughtfulness the citizens of Worcester County would not have been able to received help from our program.”

Representatives say they extend deepest thanks to the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have helped with this program over the last three decades.

Also, because there will be no Santa House, people who are looking for help this holiday season are encouraged to contact Worcester County Gold, the Salvation Army or their local church.