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Mom squad brings holiday to area children
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Sandy McCrary, mother of former Ravens star Michael McCrary, helps Kichae Oliver, 8, left, and Reba Nicholson, 9, to pick out Bratz dolls at a WalMart in Baltimore, during the Mom Squad's holiday event with Baltimore children.
And nobody can do Christmas like the Baltimore Mom Squad.
The Baltimore Mom Squad nonprofit was founded in September. “Any mother who is interested in dedicating her time, energy and nurturing ability to the Baltimore children can join, and we welcome that,” said Sandy McCrary, mom of former Ravens defensive lineman Michael McCrary and one of the founders of the Baltimore Mom Squad.
The squad, partnered with 18 Police Athletic League centers, is hosting a holiday event for 450 Baltimore-area children on Dec. 18. “We thought it was important to have an event to present who we are and one that would benefit the focus of our community service,” McCrary said.
The inaugural event, with a Winter Wonderland theme, will include a visit from Ravens players and will recognize and reward children from PAL centers who have demonstrated excellence in academic work and good behavior during the past year.
“Every PAL center will get up and do something, whether it be singing a song or putting on a skit. We’re really looking forward to that,” McCrary said. “There will also be an old-fashioned sing-along, and the kids will get another gift bag, with some Ravens items and candy to take with them for the holidays.”
Each PAL center chose 25 children that it felt were deserving. The moms then took the children to area Wal-Marts and Targets so each child could choose Christmas gifts up to $50.
“We are thrilled that the Baltimore Mom Squad has been formed and is willing to support the youth of Baltimore City,” said Police Lt. Col. Odis L. Sistrunk Jr. “Moms are unique individuals, and we are lucky to have their energy and enthusiasm working to benefit our children.”
At present, the Baltimore Mom Squad includes about 30 area mothers, but McCrary says they are always looking for more to join. “We are very high-energy, very committed and passionate women who want to recruit those with like personalities to help us help children,” McCrary said. “Our focus is Baltimore’s children.”
ecampbell@baltimoreexaminer.com
