By Danielle Rexrode & Jeff Getek
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The old adage “It’s better to give than to receive” rings true every year at Oak Crest, where hundreds of people donate their time and money as part of the Salvation Army’s Stocking Stuffing Drive. This marks the 14th year Oak Crest has participated in the effort.

Community support
“We have such a wonderful group of people who volunteer here, and everyone is so giving,” says Ann France, president of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Baltimore. France has been a member of the Salvation Army for more than 20 years and moved to Oak Crest from Hamilton 5 years ago.

As a direct result of donations collected in October,  400 stockings will be stuffed with toys, games, and clothing for boys and girls in the Baltimore area. Last year’s donations totaled $3,900 from Oak Crest residents, along with an additional $500 from Erickson Retirement Communities.

“The people here at Oak Crest are so generous,” says France. “We got enough money to buy all we need to stuff the stockings, and the money that is left over will go to the Salvation Army to purchase gifts for older children.”

Tradition of giving
In just a few weeks, dozens of volunteers will converge at Oak Crest’s Crestview Hall to help sort gifts, stuff stockings, or prepare bins used for delivery by the Salvation Army.

“Each year the stuffing has gotten faster and better,” says France. “Last year we stuffed 400 stockings in an hour and a half. It was incredible! The people who help out just love doing it!”

The stockings will be distributed to families on December 22 and 23 at the Salvation Army warehouse in Hampden.

“It’s a fun time of year here at Oak Crest, and there’s a real fellowship among everyone,” says France. “You feel good knowing that children who would have had very little or nothing at all are going to have a beautiful Christmas. It’s a really satisfying thing to do.”