Group goes
on gift shopping spree for needy local children
By MARGE NEAL
News-Post Staff mneal@fredericknewspost.com
Six Frederick County children
will have a brighter Christmas thanks to the efforts of a local Hellenic group.
Nelef’s Chapter 516 of the American Hellenic
Educational Progressive Association is participating in Holiday Gift Project, an
initiative of the Frederick County Department of Social Services.
The chapter was provided with the names and ages
of the children, chapter secretary Nick Carras said Tuesday, and members
contributed money toward the effort.
“We went on
a shopping spree for the kids designated to us by Social Services,” Carras said.
“We raised $600 so we were able to spend about a hundred dollars per child.”
Carras was joined by chapter resident Peter
Albanes and member Nick Damoulakis for the shopping trip.
“It was a lot
of fun,” he said. “And we get a lot of personal fulfillment out of it — knowing
that we’re doing something for the community.” The shoppers bought clothes,
games, a remote-controlled flying helicopter and a skateboard, among other
gifts. “We think the kids will be thrilled with the gifts we bought,” Carras
said. The chapter, chartered in 1992, has about 30 active members and community
service is a major component of the group’s mission. “Contributing back to the
community, particularly to the needy, is a big part of what we do,” Carras, a
Realtor by trade, said. “We’re doing a lot of neat things in the Frederick
area.” Members do not have to have Greek heritage, Carras said. “(They have an)
understanding of and appreciation of Hellenic culture and its contributions
toward democracy and civilization itself,” he said.
Photo courtesy of
Nick Carras American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association members
Nick Carras, left, Peter Albanes and Nick Damoulakis, right, bought gifts for
needy children through the Frederick County Department of Social Services’
Holiday Gift Project. Christina wrapped the gifts as part of the Kiwanis Club’s
holiday fundraising efforts.
