Business Group Delivers Christmas to Needy Family

Members of the local business community met Tuesday to prepare gifts for a needy family that includes six children being raised by their grandmother.

The collected gifts including an Xbox 360 video game system, a Nerf football, dolls and warm clothes, among other items. The group also plans to donate food and a fully decorated Christmas tree.

The six children being helped include four girls and two boys, who range in age from 6 to 16. They are currently living in Severn with their grandmother, who took them in to avoid having them go to foster care, where they might be separated, said Greg Mazzella, BNI chapter president.

BNI learned about the family through Food Link Inc., an Annapolis-based nonprofit that donates goods and services to the working poor.

BNI is a business networking and referrals group with chapters around the world. The Fort Meade/Odenton chapter meets weekly for lunch at in Odenton.