PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — The annual Prince George’s County public safety holiday food basket program kicked off today the way it does every year.
With an assembly line of top police, fire, sheriff and corrections brass stuffing boxes for the needy. But there was one glaring absence.
Bill Milligan, the man for the whom the program is now named, the volunteer who ran this program for 35 years passed away just 10 days ago.
Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin High says he and the entire community lost a friend, “This event we’re having today is a testament to who Bill was and his caring and compassion and love for his fellow man.”
Director of public safety Mark Magaw says without Milligan’s devotion the program simply wouldn’t exist , “He’s run it for the last 30-35 years. He’s the heart and soul of this program and really being here today is part of his legacy.”
And so in Milligan’s name they carried on. 2500 food baskets loaded up and, with a police and fire escort, delivered to places like the Emerson House senior community in Bladensburg. Jackie Barrett was among the first resident waiting in line to receive her basket. She says, “Well it’s a very, very happy time for all of us and we really appreciate the sacrifices all these wonderful organizations make to give us a little bit more. It goes a long way.”
Resident Myrtle Lane says she looks forward to this day every year, “Oh this is a blessing to all of us because some of us don’t have family and when they come in it’s a blessing and we love it!”
All those smiles thanks to the devotion of a man who not only looked a little like Santa but also devoted his life to giving. Bill Milligan was 77 years old.