In February of 1983 I had a house fire. I lost everything I owned. The local Salvation Army helped me out.

As a way to repay them, I purchased 11 turkeys and fixings for needy families in St. Mary's County. Since then the program has grown exponentially. Last year we donated 1,925 turkey baskets.

I need your help, I need food and I need money to pay for these turkey baskets. I also need help putting these baskets together and delivering them. Any donations will be taken.

With your help we can give every needy family in St. Mary's County a good Christmas dinner. A $20 donation will help one family. Come out and help do something meaningful for these families this Christmas.

This year, deliveries will start Monday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m at Zion United Methodist Church on Route 235, about a mile south of Gate 2 of Patuxent River Naval Air Station. We will be working out of the church until Friday, Dec. 21. Then we will finish up from Mike’s Bikes through Christmas Eve.

Together we can help everyone have a good Christmas.

For more information call Mike’s Food Fund at 301-863-7887. To make a donation send your offer to Mike’s Food Fund, 21310C Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Michael H. Schwartz, Lexington Park