The Greater Crisfield Action Coalition, Inc. stepped out to celebrate the Christmas and New Year's holidays by sharing with the greater Crisfield community.  On Saturday December 19th, the group participated in Christmas in Crisfield by sponsoring an event for children to make Christmas ornaments after they spoke with Santa at Crisfield City Hall.  The children had fun making different crafts and enjoying some Holiday cookies and treats, filling the City Council Chambers with laughter and Holiday Cheer!  Leftover goodies were passed along to the annual Christmas party held that same day at the Woodrow Wilson Community Center.

On Saturday January 2nd, the group celebrated the New Year by distributing bags of cakes, cookies and candy to 70 elderly families and others living in the Crisfield Housing Authority and Somerset Village, giving the group the opportunity to meet and interact more closely with the community.  GCAC President Charlotte Scott said, " What fun!  People were so appreciative, and we were gratified by how many people had heard of GCAC and wished us well."

The snacks were obtained by  GCAC as a contribution from Thrive Market, an online supplier of healthy groceries.  When Thrive Market learned how GCAC put their products to use, they wrote,  "It's truly inspiring to see you put those free goodies towards a great cause! I'm so glad to know everyone is enjoying it and that you're really paying it forward.  We just know that our members love the free gifts;  but we never really imagined the free gifts being put to such a great cause! "

Both the Christmas ornament event and the New Year's goodie distribution were organized by GCAC Board Member Isabelle Regester.  GCAC Board members also "adopted" a family over the Holiday season, helping with Christmas needs through the It Takes a Village program.  GCAC's emphasis is on helping people become self sufficient through economic development, job training, mentoring and home ownership; but at this time of year, the group was happy to take part in these charitable and goodwill efforts.

GCAC is a 501-c-3 Community and Economic Development Corporation organized eight months ago to move the Greater Crisfield area forward.  The group has held two community communications and feedback meetings and is continuing to refine its five year action plan built around marketing and branding; business development; workforce training & jobs; youth & recreation; and home ownership.  More information is available on their website www.GreaterCrisfield.org.