Charity Abounds at the Calvert Country Market

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- December 29, 2004 -- The holidays were a little brighter this year for dozens of people, thanks in part to the generous donations of the customers and vendors of the Calvert Country Market (CCM). With two planned projects and one “impromptu” charity drive, CCM collected canned and dried foods for a homeless shelter, toys for Calvert’s neediest children and mounds of candy and nuts for troops serving in Iraq.

Debbie Weimert, proprietor of DayDreamerDebbie (3D), coordinated CCM’s first Angel Tree toy drive. The Angel Tree program is organized by SMILE, a non-profit organization comprised of nine Southern Maryland churches, and this year’s tree at CCM contained the names of 25 children along with their ages, gift wishes and a brief description of their family. “I was so happy that all the children on our tree were selected for toy donations,” said Weimert. “Christmas is such a magical holiday for children and it is heartwarming to know that 25 children woke up in Calvert County on Christmas morning with at least one special present to unwrap.”

Weimert also coordinated the canned and dried food drive for SMILE and was surprised by the amount and variety of foods and products that were donated. “Of course, we had the typical canned soups, vegetables and pasta,” she said. “But we also had someone donate a load of shampoo, soap, hand cream and toothpaste – things that you would not ordinarily think of giving, but that are also very necessary and welcomed.”

Another CCM charity drive occurred when the owner and several customers of the Sweet Dreams Candy Store decided on the spot to do something special for troops serving in Iraq. They bought several pounds of sweet treats that would transport well and asked owner, Bonnie Blackwell, to pack it up and ship it to the troops for them. Blackwell was more than happy to oblige. “I thought it was a great idea,” said Blackwell. “From the original few pounds of candy, my donation box has now grown to more than 50 pounds of candy and nuts which I’ll be shipping out in early January. I’m certain the hard-working soldiers will be happy to receive this box of special treats,” she said.

CCM offers a wide selection of unique gifts and treats to please everyone. Located in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, at the corner of Routes 231 and 4, CCM offers locally grown fresh produce, herbs, baked goods, certified organic products, ceramics, polymer clay supplies and local crafts. Additionally, CCM features a bakery, seafood, butcher, green grocer, delicatessen, antiques shop, fine jewelry, candies, shea butter and aromatherapy products and a decorative gourd shop.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com