At least five volunteer Santa Clauses will help Montgomery Housing Partnership, the Kensington Chamber of Commerce and the Wheaton Fire and Rescue Squad hand out gifts to residents as part of the Angels for Children Toy Drive. The program, which has been going for 27 years to get gifts to kids around holiday time, is growing. But there’s also a growing need, says Robert A. Goldman, executive director of MHP.
“MHP’s holiday toy drives support the families we serve, allowing them to focus their resources on critical needs like rent, food, clothing, medical care and more,” he said. “MHP’s toy drives exemplify our mission of not only housing people, but also empowering families and strengthening neighborhoods through supportive programs.”
MHP is one of many of NeighborWorks® America’s network organizations working to make the holidays brighter for families.
AHC in Arlington, Virginia, for instance, hosted a holiday party for students (and families of students) in their College and Career Readiness (CCR) program. The group held other celebrations as well. And every year, the Marymount Women's Lacrosse Team volunteers to helps the nonprofit give out Christmas trees donated by St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
Back at MHP, volunteers will meet twice a day this week to wrap the toys that have been placed in 30 collection drop boxes across the county. MHP also hosts a Community Life toy drive for the organization’s program providing educational enrichment and support for students. 
The number of volunteers assisting with the program make it extra special, said Ilana Guttin, communications and volunteer manager. All told, MHP will give out close to 2,000 gifts this year.
The celebrations are one more way that community development organizations make communities feel like home.
