Do-gooders kickstart yearly holiday drives, collecting donations for local families

By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Oct. 8, 2026) As the holidays draw near, “Ocean Pines Get Involved” is again collecting donations for needy residents through a series of seasonal drives.

The group is working with the local non-profit, Randy’s Crew, for its annual coat drive, while also organizing a Toys for Tots collection and a food drive benefiting Diakonia.

“We have partnered up with Randy’s Crew, which is an organization where 100% of what they collect goes to people in need,” said Esther Diller, a member of Ocean Pines Get Involved. “It’s really a good group, so we’re excited about that.”

The coat drive will continue through the end of October. New and gently used coats are being accepted for children of all ages, including teenagers.

Diller said the group is particularly hoping to collect coats for teens, who can sometimes be overlooked during clothing drives.

“Where we seem to forget is teenagers,” she said. “We’re hoping to get some for them as well.”

Collection boxes for the coat drive and Toys for Tots are available at the Ocean Pines Administration Building located near White Horse Park, the Yacht Club, and the Clubhouse.

Diller said the number of coats collected varies from year to year, but last year proved particularly challenging for charitable organizations. She expects this year could present similar difficulties as residents continue to struggle with economic pressures.

“Last year was a tough year for charities,” Diller said. “We really struggled to collect a lot, and this year will be tough, too, because of the economy right now. People are struggling. But we hope people still help out with this.”

Coats secured through the partnership with Randy’s Crew will be distributed to local shelters and other organizations serving people in need.

The group’s Toys for Tots drive will continue into the second week of December, Diller said. Donations are being sought for children of all ages, with Diller encouraging residents to consider larger-ticket items as well.

“Bikes are a big thing we get asked for,” she said.

Following the coat drive, Ocean Pines Get Involved will launch its annual food drive at the end of October. The collection will run for about three weeks in November, with donations going to Diakonia ahead of Thanksgiving.

Residents can contribute canned goods and other nonperishable food items.

Diller said the group also has additional holiday efforts in the works as it seeks to help local families during what can be a particularly difficult time of year.

Furthermore, Ocean Pines Get Involved will once again continue its tradition of giving back to senior-citizens each Christmas season, recognizing they are sometimes overlooked community members. More information will be communicated by the Pines do-gooders as these events get closer.

The donation drives come as OP Get Involved continues its community-service efforts under Diller. Diller is a former member of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors. Her husband, Stuart Lakernick, currently serves on the governing body.

For Diller, a goal of the ongoing and upcoming fundraisers is to make it easy for residents to contribute whatever they can.

“Especially because the economy is so tough right now, it’s even more of a reason you can do something,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a lot. One coat, one toy. It can really make a difference to somebody in need.”

Diller said even a relatively small donation can have a significant impact on someone receiving it.

“It may not mean so much to you, but it could really make a difference,” she added.