03/17/2026
💛 12 Weeks of Giving:
As our 12 Weeks of Giving campaign comes to a close, we want to thank the many local nonprofit organizations who work tirelessly to ensure our Frederick neighbors have access to food, care, and support.
This year’s focus was food security. Near the end of November, Gayle met with Hillcrest Elementary School to better understand the needs of families during Winter Break, when school-based meals are typically unavailable.
That conversation led to a decision to provide direct support for hot meals during the holiday closure. Gayle wrote the following message explaining this change made in response to an urgent need late in the campaign:
“I want to thank all of the local nonprofit organizations who wrapped themselves around our most vulnerable neighbors over these last few months. Our focus this year was food.
At the end of November I met with Hillcrest Elementary School to ask what would make the biggest impact for their community. Making a decision to donate $4,999 that would go directly to providing hot meals over the holiday break was an easy decision. So yes, it changed up the voting process and donation amounts and I’ll ask for your understanding and grace.
I have the deepest respect and gratitude for the work that you all continue to do. We are a stronger community when we take care of each other. I’m proud to call this place home.”
Hillcrest Elementary shared this impact statement about what that support made possible:
“Hillcrest Elementary School extends its deepest gratitude to Petersen’s Carpet and Flooring for their generous $4,999 donation, which made it possible to open our school kitchen during Winter Break and support families when school-based meals are typically unavailable. Because of this contribution, we were able to serve 110 hot meals and 110 meals-to-go each day, ensuring students and their families had immediate nourishment as well as food for later. The kitchen sold out daily, demonstrating both the significant need within our community and the meaningful impact of Petersen’s support. Families consistently expressed appreciation for the warmth, dignity, and care this initiative provided, and this partnership helped strengthen our mission to remove barriers and ensure every child is supported beyond the classroom.”
2025 12 Weeks of Giving Donation Awards
🥇 Hillcrest Elementary School $4,999
🥈 Blessings in a Backpack $2,000
🥉 Helping Hands, Caring Hearts $1,000
🤝 10 additional participating nonprofits $400 each
We are proud to support every organization who participated in .
Frederick is stronger when we care for one another and we are honored to be part of this community.
💛 Thank you for helping us feed Frederick.