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At holiday time, we reflect on the spirit of giving. MDE is proud that this year our staff have helped three local organizations—the Maryland Charity Campaign, the Festival of Trees, and Paul’s Place—by donating time, money, and resources so we can give back to our community.
Through the Maryland Charity Campaign, MDE employees contributed in a big way. Our goal this year was higher than our 2007 goal. Over 500 employees attended the kickoff event that featured representatives from participating charities, a bake sale with items donated by MDE staff, and opportunities to win prizes. MDE also raised additional funds through a silent and live “celebrity auction” of over 100 items, including a signed photo from Yamon Figurs of the Baltimore Ravens and a package from the Wheel of Fortune. Through these events and the workplace giving program, MDE reached our goal to raise over $66,000 to help charities across Maryland.
The annual Festival of Trees fundraiser benefits the Kennedy Krieger Institute. This internationally recognized Baltimore institution is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities through patient care, special education, research, and professional training. Each year, at the Festival of Trees MDE decorates a seven foot tree that is then auctioned off. This year’s tree “Be An Angel, Recycle” featured angels made from tin cans, milk jugs, plastic lids, eggshells, ribbons, sno-cone cups, light bulbs, air fresheners, rolled up magazines, coffee filters, pine cones, shredded paper, and soda cans. The tree raised $250 for Kennedy Kreiger.
Paul’s Place serves as a gathering place for neighbors in Washington Village and Pigtown, the neighborhoods adjacent to Montgomery Park, where MDE’s headquarters is located. Paul’s Place provides services, programs, and resources that promote hope, personal dignity, and growth in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment. Paul’s Place offers a values-based Saturday morning program and summer camp for children in the community and a Nurses’ Clinic to provide basic health screenings to homeless and uninsured community members and distributes clothing and bags of food. Each year MDE staff collects new or gently used toys, clothing, household items, and canned goods that we donate to Paul’s Place.
MDE employees are happy to give generously to our community so that others may share in the joys of the season.
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