Thank you to all MNCBIA members who generously donated to the Home Builders Care Foundation’s Holiday Toy Drive at the December President's Luncheon. The second annual drive benefited homeless children and families who are residing within the Shepherd's Cove Shelter and in other homeless shelters, temporary and transitional housing facilities administered by Prince George's County.

The numerous toys collected at the annual President's Luncheon were delivered immediately following the event, with three trucks completed loaded with several sacks full of gifts. Ms. Leslie Carr, Director of Volunteer Services for the Prince George's County Department of Social Services was on hand to receive the numerous contributions, estimated to be worth over $15,000. County staff members who helped unload the gifts were astounded by the amount of gifts collected on behalf of the children.

Shepherds Cove Shelter in Capitol Heights is one of the County's primary shelters. The "Cove" is a 100-bed residential facility for homeless women and children. Residents share space with other women and children in a dormitory-type setting. Each family is provided with a bed or cot, clean linens, blankets and other basic shelter amenities. Residents receive three meals a day and are allowed to stay for six weeks. While in the shelter, residents receive case management, career counseling and housing placement assistance. The Home Builders Care Foundation is currently in the process of undertaking a substantial bathroom renovation at the shelter - to be completed in 2005.

Thank you for helping bring joy to needy children this holiday season. Best wishes for a prosperous new year!