(March 29, 2018) Berlin is hosting the first Worcester Community Access to Resources Expo (Worcester CARES) event on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the multipurpose building on 130 Flower Street.
“This is a great family friendly event featuring nonprofit organizations throughout the county. All partners are essentially creating a one-stop shop for individuals and families looking for support or assistance,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “Worcester residents will have the opportunity to learn all about services they need the most. Really, who doesn’t need a little help these days?”
The town is partnering with Delmarva Power, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Telamon, Worcester County Department of Social Services, Shore Up!, the Salvation Army, and Worcester Youth and Family to organize the event.
Twenty organizations have committed to participating, including: the Jessie Klump Memorial Fund, Chesapeake Utilities-Platinum, Atlantic General/Kennedy Krieger, Atlantic General Nutrition Services, Chesapeake Health Care, Coastal Hospice, Habitat for Humanity Worcester, Local Management Board, Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance, Maryland Insurance, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Worcester County on Aging, and Worcester County Warriors Against Opiates.
Worcester CARES will have a limited number of bagged groceries available on a first-come, first-served basis for attendees who complete the event evaluation form. Event organizers are working with the Maryland Food Bank and the town is holding a food drive as well.
From now until 4:30 p.m. on April 12, nonperishable food donations can be made at the Town Hall Customer Service office at 10 William Street between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“We’ve received lots of support from the business community for this inaugural event,” Town Administrator Laura Allen said. “Ocean 98 is providing radio coverage. The Berlin Community Improvement Association is waiving its room rental fee. The Bayside Gazette signed up to be our first Platinum Sponsor and Domino’s Pizza agreed to provide 20 pizzas to help feed the volunteers and participating vendors.”
The event has room for more vendors, sponsors and volunteers. Organizers are also seeking additional food donations for the volunteers and vendors.
The deadline for vendors and sponsors is March 30. For more information, contact Town Administrative Assistant Kelsey Jensen at 410-973-2289 or Town Administrator Laura Allen at 410-641-4144.