The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s (UWLES) Emerging Leaders have wrapped up their 2025 “Holiday Heroes” programs

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s (UWLES) Emerging Leaders have wrapped up their 2025 “Holiday Heroes” programs, having served nearly 1,000 community members through their youth-driven holiday assistance initiatives.

By leveraging strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and school systems across their four-county footprint — like TidalHealth and Perdue Farms to name a few— Emerging Leaders served 700+ trick-or-treaters through Salisbury’s Jaycees Treat St., delivered Thanksgiving meals to 145 neighbors, and provided holiday gifts to 107 children through their Secret Santa program. Thanksgiving efforts were supported by TidalHealth nursing departments and Your Docs In staff donating baskets of meal sides, and Perdue furnishing 6 cases of poultry. The Secret Santa program was supported by a fundraising surplus from the previous year and generous grant funding from Coastal Association of Realtors, Walmart Spark Good, and Bless Our Children. Fundraising for their 2026 initiatives have already begun, with Christmas in July scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Sponsorship packages for Christmas in July are available and individual tickets for the event are $35.

The group also recently introduced their new executive team, comprised of Chris Messick (Chair) and Dylan Mezick (Vice Chair) both from SVN Miller Real Estate. Messick has served the Emerging Leaders group for the past 2 years as Vice Chair, and served last year on UWLES’ Community Impact Committee, which oversees the allocation of funding dollars for UWLES’ partner agencies. The introduction of the new executive team was capped off on February 10th with an in-person lunch meeting to discuss the group’s 2026 goals, including their upcoming Christmas in July event. Young professionals from the area gathered to network, while combining their collective powers to support United Way’s holiday initiatives.

The Group meets every 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information on how to get involved with Emerging Leaders and sponsorship opportunities please email United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s Development and Community Engagement Lead, Ryan Jackson at ryan@uwles.org.

About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 81 years of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved. For more information on United Way or to help make a difference visit: www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org, Facebook@uwles, Instagram@unitedwayles, or LinkedIN@uwles.