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How Children's Aid Society Helps
Programs
Children's Aid offers a variety of year round programs designed to assist families who are in need. Our programs include the following:
Emergency Assistance Program
*Clothing
*Bedding
*Furniture
*Food Assistance (our pantry is open 5 days/week)
*Utilities, incl. water, electric, gas
*Rent and mortgage assistance
*Homeless prevention
*Prescription assistance
*Transportation
*Personal Care products
*Information & Referrals
Camp Tomahawk
Working cohesively with the Charles County Salvation Army family service unit, we will send between 20 and 50 underprivledged children ages 7 - 12 to Camp Tomahawk. Camp Tomahawk is located in Hedgesville West Virginia and for this 5 day 4 night camp, attendees will enjoy swimming, archery, arts and crafts, drama, sports, fishing and so much more. These children will also be provided transportation and food all at no cost to their families. Sign ups begin in March and the camp slots fill up fast. Information can be obtained from Children's Aid at 301 645-1561 or Salvation Army at 301 638-9532.
School Supply Program
Prior to the beginning of the school year, Children's Aid Society distributes school supplies to 1000 of the county's neediest children. This program offers to these children, the ability to begin school with the same tools as their peers, thus enhancing the chances that these children will not be behind in school due to lack of school supplies. The average cost of school supplies for one child is $40.00. Those less fortunate families who have 3 or 4 children in school are challenged to afford all the supplies their children need. We are here to alleviate this stress for the children and their parents.
Holiday Programs
*Easter Baskets Completely donation dependent Annually 50 - 250 are distributed For 2007 distribution 125 baskets donated by Travis Reese, his family, friends and the Sabres Hockey Team. Also 50 baskets donated by Brownie Troop
*Thanksgiving Baskets Working with the Charles County Salvation Army over 200 area families will be given a hearty Thanksgiving basket complete with all the trimmings. Also each family will recieve extra food to ensure they have enough food to get them through the entire Thanksgivng holiday. Families are also adopted out for Thanksgiving by area groups, businesses and churches.
*Christmas Connection The largest Christmas program in Charles County! Five human service agencies have combined their efforts to provide food and gifts for Charles County's neediest families through donated funds, goods, and services. Annually 3000 children receive their Christmas toys, gifts, clothes and food through this program. The agencies involved are: Charles County Children's Aid Society
Charles County Department of Community Services
Charles County Department of Social Services
Tri-County Youth Services Bureau
The Salvation Army, Charles County Service Unit
In addition, New Life Weselyan Church collects and distributes Christmas food baskets for 200 adults aged 18-60 in need.
Families who receive public assistance or other services are given an application to apply for the Christmas Connection. Anyone can apply by contacting one of the participating agencies. We always need volunteers or donations for this program, so please contact us if you're interested in participating. We encourage businesses to either place a gift tree or toy collection box in their offices. Please contact us for more information.
Classes
Offered throughout the year, CAS offers a variety of classes designed to educate families. Classes are given by the University of Maryland, cooperative extension educators. Classes include financial budgeting, stretching your food spending dollars, designing nutricious meals for your family, healthy eating for the children and more! All classes are free, but fill up quickly and require registration.
This page last updated September 2009 (cd).
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