SEICO Foundation Serves Over 140 Families at Second Annual Holiday Toy Drive in Annapolis

The SEICO Foundation, led by local housing developer and entrepreneur J.T. Carter-Sharps, served more than 140 families with toys, books, games, and meals during its second annual holiday toy drive held this weekend. The event took place at The Mary Moss-Adams Academy and also included meal deliveries to residents at the Morris Blum Senior Apartments.

According to Carter-Sharps, the mission of the annual drive is twofold: to ensure that children in the greater Clay Street area have toys to enjoy on Christmas, and to connect families in need with local resources that can provide ongoing support. When donations exceed demand in the immediate area, the effort is expanded to serve other communities throughout Annapolis. “This drive is about meeting an immediate need while also connecting families to long-term resources,” Carter-Sharps told Report Annapolis News.

Mr. Carter-Sharps' family members, community leaders, local businesses and elected officials all helped to ensure the event was a success. 

According to Carter-Sharps, the inspiration for the toy drive came from observing families in the greater Clay Street area who were struggling to afford Christmas gifts. In a statement, Carter-Sharps expressed hope that the annual drive serves as a broader message to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County: “We all can do our part in contributing to the greater good in our communities,” he said, “during the holidays and throughout the year.” 

This year’s event was supported by several local businesses and community partners, including Chick-fil-A, West End Grill, Bella Italia Restaurant and The Toys for Tots Foundation. 

While the core mission of SEICO Foundation Inc. focuses on expanding affordable housing opportunities for seniors in Anne Arundel County, Carter-Sharps described the toy drive as “icing on the cake” — an added way to give back to the community. 

In a social media post, Senator Shaneka Henson said "Such a great time today at the 2nd Annual Clay Street Area Christmas Toy & Food Drive. The joy, the music, the food, and the smiles on the kids’ faces said it all.Big shout out to J.T. Carter-Sharps and the partners who made it happen—SEICO Foundation Inc., the Greater Clay Street Collaborative Group, Anne Arundel County Toys for Tots, and Mary Moss at Adams Academy. This is community at its best."