WHEATON, MD—Wheaton Ice Arena and Cabin John Ice Rink collected more than 100 coats during special public skating sessions November 14 called “Keep Your Neighbors Warm Skate.”
“The generosity of our patrons will help keep many warm this winter,” said new Wheaton Ice Arena Manager Diane Baker. “We have reached out to guidance counselors at county schools to get the donated coats to those who need them.”
Coats donated during the special events at the Department of Parks’ two ice rinks are being distributed through area Montgomery County Public Schools.
Wheaton Ice Arena will also collect non-perishable food items during its upcoming Holiday Skating Spectacular. The annual ice skating show, Saturday, December 20 from 5:15 pm – 6:45 pm, features local ice skating stars and is FREE to the public.
“There are other giving opportunities this season while out playing in Wheaton Regional Park,” added Baker.
Can food donations will be collected at the Wheaton Train during Wheaton Wonderland—a new winter program. Wheaton Wonderland features crafts, storytimes and rides on the historic Ovid Hazen Wells carousel. Wheaton Wonderland is open Saturday, December 13 and 20 from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon and Sunday, December 14 and 21 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Geared for children ages 2 – 8, admission is $6 for children and FREE for adults. With a can food donation, participants receive $1 off admission.
Wheaton Ice Arena is also collecting toys for children in need this holiday season as part of the annual “Angels for Children” Toy Drive, which provides Christmas toys to disadvantaged children in the Wheaton area.
Brookside Gardens, also part of Wheaton Regional Park, is collecting new toys to support the “Angels for Children” Toy Drive. Brookside Gardens will collect toys at the Visitor’s Center until December 23.
Brookside Gardens is also collecting canned food to share with those in need in the community through Shepherd’s Table in Silver Spring. Each year the Gardens collects close to 1,000 pounds of food through the generous donations of its visitors.
For more on Wheaton Wonderland, the Holiday Skating Spectacular, Brookside Gardens and more visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866