The 41st annual Brighter Christmas Fund raised over $60,000 this holiday season as part of its yearly effort to bring joy to children on the Mid-Shore.
The effort’s main focus was to help Santa provide children in need presents to open during the Christmas season.
“As a challenging economy played a big role in contributions in 2024, I was surprised and very grateful that so many local individuals stepped up to provide help to our community’s children,” said Orestes Baez, regional president of APG Chesapeake, which oversees The Star Democrat. “Of course, we wish — and I know our donors do as well — we could help more and more each year, but we are thankful for the support of so many. Truly heartwarming.”
This holiday season, the Brighter Christmas Fund helped 495 children receive holiday presents. This included 126 children in Caroline County, 114 children in Dorchester County, 73 children in Kent County, 34 children in Queen Anne’s County and 148 children in Talbot County.
The 2024 Brighter Christmas Fund raised $64,126.42 to go to local families in future years.
The Star Democrat donates all the fund’s administrative operating costs.
From late October through the end of January, The Star Democrat published stories daily about families in Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Kent counties who were struggling to provide a Christmas for their children. These stories were the only way The Star Democrat solicited donations for the Brighter Christmas Fund.
The Brighter Christmas Fund is a nonprofit charity which helps families in need on the Mid-Shore,
Donations may be sent to The Star Democrat, 29088 Airpark Dr., Easton, MD 21601. Donations also may be made online via credit card or PayPal at brighterchristmasfund.org. Click the “Donate” button. Donations are tax-deductible.
The administrative costs for the Brighter Christmas Fund are covered entirely by The Star Democrat and APG Chesapeake, so 100% of donations go to families in need. For more information about the fund, call 410-200-1884.
Those sharing the spirit of giving with others this holiday included:
The Christmas Shop Elves
Bonnie Haynes
Carla Howell
George and Helen Albury
Diane M. Marquette
Anne Riordan.