Children in Need Executive Director Wedd Honored as Young Professional of the Year for Impact on Local Children

Hagerstown, Maryland – Children In Need, Inc. has announced that its Executive Director, Brittany Wedd, has been named the 2026 Young Professional of the Year. This award recognizes Wedd’s significant contributions to the organization and serves as an inspiration to the children it serves. Wedd’s personal experiences with hardship mirror those of many children who benefit from the nonprofit’s support, highlighting a journey of resilience and a commitment to creating a brighter future.

Under Wedd’s leadership, Children In Need is making a substantial impact in Washington County, currently assisting over 3,600 children. This fiscal year, the organization is projected to distribute more than 250,000 essential items, including clothing, new socks and undergarments, hygiene products, coats, shoes, and school supplies. The organization prioritizes urgent requests from local schools, aiming to fulfill them within 24 to 48 hours, depending on available inventory. This swift response helps ensure that children can attend school feeling confident and prepared to learn.

The core mission of Children In Need is to restore dignity and stability to children facing poverty. By consistently providing essential items, the organization works to dismantle barriers that can impede school attendance, damage self-esteem, and hinder academic achievement. Wedd’s perspective is that her recognition offers a powerful message to the children who engage with the organization. She believes that seeing someone in a leadership role who has overcome adversity demonstrates the transformative power of resilience, proving that personal circumstances do not dictate one’s ultimate outcome. This message underscores the organization’s belief that children can turn past hardships into a purposeful future.

Children In Need actively collaborates with local businesses, schools, civic organizations, and volunteers to support families throughout Washington County. The organization remains dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to necessary resources and the opportunity to flourish.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Children In Need, Inc.

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