(Sept. 29, 2016) Santa House, a nonprofit organization which started in the 1990’s as part of a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office community outreach program, has suspended operations for 2016 due to facility deficiency.
The Santa House has helped over 20,244 children from 8,275 families and given packages to 779 elderly citizens in Worcester County since its inception.
The Santa House has been searching for a 5,000-square-foot location to operate out of since the end of the 2013 Christmas season. This area is used to sort the food, toys and clothing to be distributed to the families. The items are bagged for the individual families and moved to the distribution centers. The various distribution locations are the Ocean City Police Department, Showell Fire Department, Snow Hill Lions Club and Pocomoke Fair Grounds.
“Without a building it is impossible to operate the Santa House Program. Therefore, we are taking this time to evaluate the program and assess how to serve the citizens and children of Worcester County and keeps our search going for a location,” said Dena Holloway, Santa House president.
With a lack of facility space and ambiguity for the organization’s future, the Santa House has regrettably closed its doors for the 2016 season.
“We would be remised to not thank Atlantic General Hospital for being our host for 2014 and 2015 Christmas season,” Holloway continued. “Without their generosity and thoughtfulness the citizens of Worcester County would not have been able to received help from our program.”
Representatives extend deepest thanks to the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have helped with this program over the last three decades. In the absence of the Santa House, citizens seeking assistance this holiday season are encouraged to contact Worcester County Gold, the Salvation Army or their local church.
The Santa House has helped over 20,244 children from 8,275 families and given packages to 779 elderly citizens in Worcester County since its inception.
The Santa House has been searching for a 5,000-square-foot location to operate out of since the end of the 2013 Christmas season. This area is used to sort the food, toys and clothing to be distributed to the families. The items are bagged for the individual families and moved to the distribution centers. The various distribution locations are the Ocean City Police Department, Showell Fire Department, Snow Hill Lions Club and Pocomoke Fair Grounds.
“Without a building it is impossible to operate the Santa House Program. Therefore, we are taking this time to evaluate the program and assess how to serve the citizens and children of Worcester County and keeps our search going for a location,” said Dena Holloway, Santa House president.
With a lack of facility space and ambiguity for the organization’s future, the Santa House has regrettably closed its doors for the 2016 season.
“We would be remised to not thank Atlantic General Hospital for being our host for 2014 and 2015 Christmas season,” Holloway continued. “Without their generosity and thoughtfulness the citizens of Worcester County would not have been able to received help from our program.”
Representatives extend deepest thanks to the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have helped with this program over the last three decades. In the absence of the Santa House, citizens seeking assistance this holiday season are encouraged to contact Worcester County Gold, the Salvation Army or their local church.