Giving thanks for Gifts of Love program

The Community Action Agency would like to thank the community for supporting the 26th Annual Harriett Pratt Gifts of Love program and event. The event was held Dec. 21 at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. The event was special to Community Action staff. We were able to host the party for the first time since 2019 because of the pandemic.

Gifts of Love was started by Harriett Pratt, a former staff member of the agency, to offer a holiday dinner and entertainment for children served by the Stanton Center in Annapolis. Since then, the agency’s reach for participants has extended throughout the county, with partnering organizations referring children to the program. Returning referral partners include Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services and the Stanton Center.

In 2022, through a new partnership with Toys for Tots, the agency was able to include children with parents who are incarcerated. The agency received referrals from the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities to serve this group of children and many were able to attend the party, as well as receive gifts that were provided by Toys for Tots.

With the help of a wonderful planning committee, volunteers, and the agency’s youth development staff, Community Action welcomed more than100 attendees to the event, which was sponsored by Pussers Caribbean Grill and the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. Attendees were treated to dinner, visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus and a magic show. Through the program, 141 children received gifts for the holiday.

Along with Toys for Tots, Pussers Caribbean Grill and the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, we would like to extend our appreciation to our corporate sponsors: A&G Management, Boatyard Bar & Grill, HUB International and Shore United Bank. Many individuals also supported the program through cash donations and by adopting children and purchasing gifts, which we are very grateful for. — Charlestine R. Fairley, Annapolis Failey is chief executive officer of the Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County