This season at FLOC truly was one of giving!  As many made cutbacks during these difficult financial times, FLOC community partners were eager to fill wish lists made by hundreds of FLOC students.  A special thanks to the Meltzer Group for hosting two of our special holiday events!

Several local businesses graciously bought gifts for almost 500 FLOC students during the holidays. Students requested items they wanted or needed and businesses The Advisory Board Company, Northrop Grumman, The World Bank, and TerpSys made wishes come true!  Packages filled the FLOC offices as staff, families, and students were all moved by the magnitude of the giving spirit.  We cannot thank our partners enough for helping make this holiday season one our kids will not forget!

The Meltzer Group also helped FLOC celebrate the fall season with a trip to a nearby orchard.  On October 24th students from each of FLOC’s programs, two families from Hope and a Home, staff, and families gathered together at Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland.  The evening was hosted by longtime FLOC Friends at The Meltzer Group.

Students traveled the distance to Butler’s Orchard in the cold weather to enjoy hay rides, fresh hot apple cider, a bonfire, and the roasting of s’mores.  Many students experienced these things for the first time in their lives!      

The event was organized by FLOC’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Trinishia Samuels and The Meltzer Group and proved to be a great success!  Trinishia, who worked diligently collecting permission forms and verifying details, was grateful to have the help of staff on hand as well. 

The Meltzer Group continued their holiday spirit of giving as they put on FLOC’s Annual “Winter Festival.”  This year’s event included cupcake decorating, craft making, and lots of fun!  Staff from Meltzer came out to help run all the different stations.