Christmas Wishes and Christkindlmarkt team up

Christmas Wishes is an annual program facilitated by the Caroline County Department of Social Services. The program’s mission is to bring a little joy and security to families in need during the holiday. In 2023, the program raised over $11,000 for Caroline County families, and the goal for 2024 is to raise even more.

The Department has partnered with Downtown Denton Main Street to offer people attending the annual Christkindlmarkt a chance to donate to Christmas Wishes. Here are some clever ways to donate to Christmas Wishes during Christkindlmarkt:

• Donation station to drop a new toy, new clothing, or monetary donation.
• With your donation, have your photo taken with Santa or Grinch by photographer Chelsea Powell.
• Pay to either release or detain the Grinch in a theatrical jail that will be set up during the market.

To apply for assistance from Christmas Wishes, pick up an application from the Department of Social Services in Denton, use the QR code on its Facebook page (facebook.com/CarolineCoDSS), or text Annette Wales at 410-215-1000.

To be eligible, you must already be receiving some sort of assistance from the Department of Social Services. Applications must be received by Dec. 13, 2024.

Downtown Denton Main Street is a nonprofit that helps and supports local businesses. Jessica Willoughby, Director, said there will be an opportunity to donate, receive a special ornament in memory of a loved one, and hang it on the town tree. These donations will go towards next year's Christkindlmarkt and for other DDMS programs.