APG Celebrates 25 Years of Holiday Donations

For the past 25 years, Aberdeen Proving Ground South’s Food, Toy and Gift Drive has benefited local residents in need. A ceremony marking the milestone was held on Dec. 13 at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, according to an APG release.

A collection between Oct. 31 and Dec. 7 yielded 55 boxes of food and 45 boxes of toys. Mason Dixon Community Services, which provides emergency food and energy assistance to low-income residents in Harford County, accepted the food donations. Toy donations were presented to Edgewood Sharing Table, a non-profit coalition of churches, and Extreme Family Outreach, an
organization that provides after-school and summer programs for elementary and middle school students in Edgewood, Joppatowne and Havre de Grace, the release stated.

Workers at the Edgewood facility also sponsored children’s wish lists from 19 military families from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and the 22nd Chemical Battalion, the 20th Support Command through Army Community Services, according to the release.

"The 25th anniversary of our Food, Toy and Gift Drive marks a special milestone for the Edgewood Area and its local community," Mary Doak, ECBC Community and Educational Outreach Program Manager, said in a statement. "We are honored that the director of Harford County’s Office of Economic Development Jim Richardson joined us in proclaiming this charitable and historical event."

ECBC Technical Director Joseph Wienand added: "Especially during this the time of the year, it is important that we stop and take the time out of our busy schedules to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves and to show our
appreciation to our service members who bravely protect our nation’s freedom,”

"And, I’m delighted to see that—thanks to employees and senior leaders across the Edgewood Area—this drive continues to expand and succeed after 25 years." Wienand said.

MG Leslie Smith from the 20th Support Command also spoke and emphasized the time and effort that went into the drive, the release stated.