Schools

Local Teens Make Holiday Wishes A Reality for Families in Need

The Leo Clubs at Liberty and Century High School joined local Lions to shop at Walmart on Wednesday.

A group of local teens went on a trip to Walmart this week, buying gifts not for themselves but for more complete strangers in need of help this holiday season. 

On Wednesday afternoon, 35 teens from the and Leo Clubs and more than 20 of their closest friends and family members met to purchase gifts and necessities for 26 children in Eldersburg and Sykesville.

"It was an exciting experience to see these young men and women caring for their neighbors," said Lions Youth Outreach Chairman Carl Livesay.

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The Leo's were accompanied by Freedom District Lions Club President Jim Mullen, Liberty High School Principal and Leo Faculty Advisor Tom Clowes, Lion and Maryland State Delegate Susan Krebs, and legally blind Lion Gail Cox

The two groups of Leo's were led by project leaders Katherine Koman, Michael Capparelli and Ryan Peltier. Project leaders plan, raise money, organize and execute all tasks in support of area families and children.

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"This is exactly what community service is about. Helping each other right here in Eldersburg and Sykesville. We are very proud of these young men and women. They are a shining example of what is great in today's youth." said Livesay.

The two Leo groups purchased the gifts on Wednesday, wrapped them at Liberty High School on Thursday, will shop for groceries for the families on Friday, and will deliver dinner provided by Salerno's in Eldersburg on Saturday morning, making this project the largest in Leo history for the clubs here in Eldersburg.

"This project is made possible by the kindness and generosity of the good people right here in Eldersburg and Sykesville," said Livesay.

"The Freedom District Lions Club provided money for Christmas dinner and donations by the LEO Clubs, and members of each of these three clubs combined with very generous residents and local businesses made this project a reality."


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