The hope of better days comes for many local families when the holiday spirit arrives with food, gifts, clothing, and pantry items as part of Operation Christmas Spirit, held at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department on Christmas Day. This year, that gift of hope has been given an extra boost with a special $6,200 donation from Eglseder Wealth Management Group.
The funds were raised over the year through a series of pit beef and turkey sales that the wealth management firm hosts at their offices on Commerce Drive, conveniently located near the Waterside Village shopping center.
The proceeds will be used to provide local individuals and families with the resources needed for a holiday celebration, including freshly made holiday meals—often delivered—along with pantry items, freezer goods, clothing, household goods, and an assortment of holiday gifts for children and adults. It all takes place on Christmas Day at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, with the help of numerous donors and volunteers each year.
Operation Christmas Spirit began in the 1970s as a grassroots effort, and over the years provided thousands of meals and gifts to individuals and families in need. The annual event took a COVID-19 pause after event founder Lord Sheldon Scott, Sr.—affectionately known as “Scotty”—passed away in 2020.
“I had the great opportunity to meet Scotty and talk with him just before his passing,” says Eglseder Wealth Management Group President Scott Eglseder. “It gave me a true sense of how kind and thoughtful Scotty was.
“Now, Easton Rotary continues to carry that same torch of kindness,” continued Eglseder. “I’m grateful to continue working with them to ensure no one is forgotten during the holiday season, and for all the people who have stopped by this past year to purchase a pit beef or turkey sandwich from our sales.”
Operation Christmas Spirit was resurrected in 2021 through the leadership of the Rotary Club of Easton, Maryland, which continues to sponsor the event each year.
“I have been involved with Operation Christmas Spirit since Lonnie Green introduced the project to the Easton Rotary Club four years ago, and it has become one of the most exciting projects to be involved with,” says Rotary Club of Easton, Maryland President Sherye Nickerson. “Seeing how our community comes together to help others at Christmas is a gift in and of itself.”
Nickerson says the event cannot happen without the entire community’s help.
“An important aspect of Operation Christmas Spirit is seeing how the community comes together to help put on the event,” she says. “Volunteers help with food prep, toy shopping and collection, managing donations, and helping to serve our holiday meal.”
Nickerson says up to 50 volunteers are needed each year to put on a successful event. “They take time away from their family traditions to help set up, serve, and clean up on Christmas Eve and Day, and that alone is a blessing.”
Individuals and families needing a place to go for a hot meal, fellowship, gifts, and winter coats can head to the Easton Volunteer Fire Department at 315 Leonard Rieck Drive on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are not needed to participate, with limited toys, books, and coats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Individuals, businesses, and foundations can make a tax-deductible gift with a check payable to the “Easton Rotary Club Youth and Community Fund”. In the memo section, please write “Operation Christmas Spirit” so that Easton Rotary can properly direct your donation to this year’s event and mail your check to the Rotary Club of Easton, P.O. Box 1444, Easton, Md., 21601. You can also learn more by following Operation Christmas Spirit on Facebook.
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