Community Corner

Christmas Comes Early for Upper Marlboro Family

Several volunteers helped modify Alice Callaham's home this past weekend.

In January, Alice Callaham's life changed forever. Her 21-year-old son was killed in a car accident along the Capital Beltway and her 19-year-old son was paralyzed in that same accident.

As a result, Callaham's Upper Marlboro home needed renovations -- a modified bathroom and a wheelchair ramp outside the house, among other things -- before her son could live there. All last month, builders from the 11th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, along with volunteers from the county's Christmas in April program, worked to renovate the home.

There have been $30,000 worth of modifications made to Callaham's home so far. A wheelchair lift is also needed for her son; almost $17,000 has been raised for the lift, said Freddie Vaughn, a spokeswoman with Christmas in April.

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On Saturday, roughly 65 volunteers visited Callaham's home during the 23rd annual Christmas in April program. Throughout the day, County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D), former county executive Wayne K. Curry and others painted, mulched and brought Christmas to Upper Marlboro eight months early. 

"It's incredible to see the extensive amount of work completed by volunteers and the members from Joint Base Andrews, and I commend all of them for volunteering their time and skills to make the Callaham's home more wheelchair-accessible," Baker said. "They have made a difference for the Callaham family that will have a lasting impact and truly enhance their quality of life."

Find out what's happening in Upper Marlborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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