Christmas Memories 2024

The holidays should be an opportunity to spend time with those we are closest to. For many of the foster teens living in group homes, the people they plan to spend their holidays with are the staff at the group home and/or those in the same situation. 

Shifting Gears was able to make the holidays memorable for 19 youth living in a group home. Our holiday party included making gingerbread houses, eating an amazing dinner spread, playing a game, and participating in an epic cookie walk! The Odd Fellows Lodge of Bel Air, Maryland, donated a cute Christmas backdrop which allowed for some fantastic pictures! Each youth left the party with a tin of desserts, a bag of their favorite snacks, a Funko Pop, Jibbitz, and gift cards!

We wanted them to also feel the love on the actual day, so a giant Santa-sized bag of gifts was delivered to each girl. Gifts were donated by Jones Junction, Mattingly Electric, Dawn Benwood with Scentsy, and members of our community. Over 500 gifts were wrapped by Aberdeen High School students as a service learning project, our co-founder Diana, and other volunteers.

In addition, cookie decorating sets and meal kits were donated. We were also able to sponsor 26 other foster teens throughout Harford County.