Local Appreciation Drive Honors Police and Fire

A local business group is hoping to thank police and firefighters for their work in the community this holiday season, by giving them a little token of appreciation.

The Chesapeake Business Advisory Board is organizing an appreciation drive for local firefighters and police officers and collecting items to make gift baskets for the first responders. The Pasadena Voice has some information on drop-off points for donations.

The advisory board is an organization consisting of small businesses in the area that work with local schools and residents.

Donations can be left at Detrich's Auto Body on Fort Smallwood Road from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. They can also be left at The Ice Shack on Mountain Road from noon until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

"This is the first year that we've done something like this," said advisory board member Katie Thompson. "Nancy Shrum, the new president of our advisory board, had this idea. We're working with schools in the area and local residents to get donations of baked and packaged goods, children's artwork and Christmas cards so we can make gift baskets for the police and fire department.

"It's a way to show the police and fire department that we care," Thompson said. "It's a good gesture for what they do for us in the area."

If those who wish to donate need to have their materials picked up, they can call Thompson at 410-274-0800.