The Community Engagement Center (CEC) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) buzzed with holiday spirit as volunteers and families gathered for the annual Christmas Store. Held at the CEC on Dec. 13 and 14, 2024, it featured tables overflowing with brand-name toys, puzzles, and scooters, all neatly arranged for shoppers to purchase at deeply discounted prices.The Christmas Store is organized in partnership with UMB’s Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) and Foundry Church of Baltimore. This year, local CBS affiliate WJZ, UMB’s Staff Senate, and the University of Maryland Medical Center joined a Season of Giving campaign to help raise money for the store’s inventory.Read More: https://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/december-2024/holiday-cheer-on-display-at-christmas-store.php

On Dec. 13, children and families from West Baltimore were given tickets to ride the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum through an effort organized by the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).The event was funded through the University’s partnership with the University of Maryland BioPark during the Season of Giving Campaign, a joint effort supported by UMB’s Staff Senate, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and local CBS affiliate WJZ. The Season of Giving also allowed participants to enjoy s’mores and Santa Sleigh rides, while Libelle Photos provided complimentary Santa photos to the families.Read More: https://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/december-2024/full-steam-ahead-on-the-polar-express.php