A total 260 individuals and organizations around Rockville delivered a brighter Thanksgiving and Christmas for those in need through the 2021 Holiday Drive.
The Mayor and Council will recognize donors to the 2021 Holiday Drive at their Monday, Feb. 28 meeting.
Sixteen organizations and individuals will be recognized with plaques as distinguished donors.
They are: Carl Peterson; Carol A. Hannaford; Christ Church Episcopal Church, Prince George’s Parish; Faith United Methodist Church; Julius West Middle School Student Government Association; Kaye A. Craft; Keary Cannon; Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and Frederick W. Newton; Nancy Taylor; Robert Frost Middle School; Sandra Yerkes; St. Mary’s Catholic Church; The David and Mikel Blair Family Foundation; White Flint Children’s House; and Woodmont Country Club.
Additionally, 55 donors will receive certificates for significant contributions.
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city requested cash donations only, instead of the usual collection of food and toys, and purchased gift cards for recipients in need.
The 2021 Holiday Drive raised a total of $77,352 (which included gift cards worth $1,680), as well as non-monetary donations worth $16,880 (which included books and family sponsorships).
A total of 618 families — 1,950 people in total — and 184 seniors received $50 grocery gift cards in November to purchase food for Thanksgiving.
In December, families with children were given Target gift cards and two books for each child in the household; 1,086 children were helped.
The Community Services Division Family Sponsorship program served 42 high-need families, including 208 individuals, by pairing households with sponsors to purchase specific gifts for each household member.
Tax-free donations to the Holiday Drive are accepted year-round at bit.ly/HolidayDriveDonate.