Volunteers with the Ocean Pines Facebook group Get involved wrapped gifts for seniors who are by themselves this holiday season. The gifts will be distributed by Worcester County GOLD.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Dec. 21, 2023) The Ocean Pines Yacht Club was bubbling over with Christmas spirit on Saturday as volunteers gathered to provide gifts for those in need.

In the morning, the Ocean Pines Get Involved Facebook group joined Worcester GOLD to brighten up the holiday for seniors who are home alone this holiday season. Volunteers packed and wrapped 33 gift boxes full of blankets, games, cards, snacks and Food Lion gift cards.

That evening, Ocean Pines resident Santa Helper, Colby Phillips, hosted a holiday gathering to provide 16 children at Diakonia, a shelter in West Ocean City, with presents and other necessities.

The event was held at the Yacht Club patio. Santa made a special appearance, thanks to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Attendees brought gifts for the children, as well as necessities, and enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate and music.

The event was held to honor the memory of Josh Alton, a teen from Ocean Pines who lost his battle with cancer in 2022. His favorite holiday was Christmas and Phillips helped provide a special Christmas in July for him before he passed.

“Josh loved the reason for the season and we all got to see the love, giving and kindness first-hand Saturday evening,” Phillips said.

More than 30 gifts were collected as well as scarves, gloves and coloring books for the Diakonia shelter.