Local Nonprofits Exceed Expectations in Holiday Giving Campaign

Washington County residents demonstrated remarkable generosity this holiday season, with local nonprofit organizations reporting successful campaigns that will benefit numerous children and families. Despite challenges, community efforts significantly surpassed previous years’ achievements, providing essential resources and festive cheer to those in need.

The Washington County Toys for Tots program, a cornerstone of holiday assistance, has announced that it has already served thousands of children, exceeding its total from the previous year, which saw approximately 4,400 children assisted. This year’s campaign successfully reached families who applied for assistance, as well as many others identified through collaborations with various agencies, ensuring that even those who may have missed initial application deadlines received support. While the program noted its offerings this year were more modest, the community’s collective effort has been lauded. Looking ahead, Toys for Tots plans to continue its summer literacy program for a second year, providing books to children in the community. Additionally, the organization is developing a new collaborative project with San Mar, Family and Community Services, aimed at creating an engaging event for middle and high school foster youth, alongside other initiatives designed to maintain community involvement throughout the year. The organization expressed optimism about expanding its network of community partnerships in 2026.

In tandem with Toys for Tots, the Hagerstown Friendship Lodge 84 Masonic Lodge also contributed to local relief efforts by collecting food and clothing for those in need. This initiative, supported by the Queen Esther Eastern Star Chapter 3, resulted in over a dozen boxes of donations destined for multiple organizations across Washington County, in addition to $163 in cash contributions.

Children in Need, another key nonprofit in the region, reported distributing over 2,000 brand-new toys and books to children throughout Washington County this holiday season. This significant impact was made possible through the collective efforts and support of numerous partners. These included businesses such as 2nd & Charles, Books-A-Million, MD Arsenal, and Five Below, alongside community organizations like Ladders to Leaders, the Robert W Johnson Community Center, Inc., and the Hagerstown Housing Authority. Washington County Public Schools and Patriot Federal Credit Union also played vital roles, alongside numerous churches and individual donors who contributed both items and distribution assistance.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Toys for Tots, Hagerstown Friendship Lodge 84, and Children in Need

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