United Way is giving a magical Christmas to 110 students this season

SALISBURY, Md. — ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and a local organization was hard at work, preparing for the holiday season by supporting children in four local school districts.

Ryan Jackson, community outreach coordinator for United Way, said, “We’re wrapping presents for our Secret Santa program here at United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. It’s a program that our Emerging Leaders, a young professionals group, puts on.”

United Way “elves” work tirelessly all year, raising funds through various fundraisers, grants, and Giving Tuesday donations.

“We go out and shop for children’s wish lists. We bring the items back here to our office, wrap them up, and then we’ll deliver them this week, along with breakfast baskets for Christmas morning,” Jackson said.

Wynnette Curtis, a gift wrapper who has been spreading holiday cheer for three years, shared her thoughts on the importance of the program.

“Christmas is important, and I think it’s awesome that there are kids who will be able to unwrap something under the tree this Christmas,” Curtis said.

Coastal Hospice, a supporter of United Way, notes that Christmas can be a tough time for some, and this program is one way to help make the season a little brighter.

Lauren Blair, director of business development at Coastal Hospice, said, “There are so many people in the community who may not have the same gifts in life that we do. Being able to support them and help them have a good Christmas means so much. That’s really what Christmas is all about.”

The program is filling the air with holiday spirit, restoring hope for those who need it most this season.

Jackson added, “We help them focus on another area of their life that might need a little more attention. And we just try to make our community stronger. When our neighbors are struggling, we struggle as a community.”

Along with their gifts, the children will receive breakfast baskets containing pancake mix, bacon, oranges, and an orange juice mix to enjoy with their families.