The Christmas Program
Each year, the Christmas Program at The Maine Children's Home distributes boxes of gifts and clothing to approximately 1,600 financially disadvantaged children throughout the state. It is the only program of its kind that provides new toys, books, games and new, warm clothing to boys and girls throughout Maine.
Each child typically receives (box contents may vary):
- Mittens, Thinsulate gloves, and a hat
- A reading book
- A coloring/activity book
- Crayons or markers
- A large and a small toy
- A family game
- A warm outfit
In order to qualify, families must:
- Meet state income guidelines (we currently work at 135 percent of the federal poverty level)
- Agree not to accept Christmas assistance from any other organization unless it is food
- Be the parent or legal guardian of the children for which they are applying
- Apply only for children who are 12 or under
- Provide social security numbers for each income-earning individual in the household
- Provide their annual gross household income and any food stamps or child support received
- Be willing to provide proof of income
How to Get Involved
Each year, the Maine Children's Home books individuals and groups of volunteers ages 12 and up for Christmas box packing, inventory management and organization, and other duties as needed. This work can be labor intensive and may involve some heavy lifting and traveling up and down stairs.
Please be advised that spots for Christmas volunteering book quickly. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Cristen Sawyer, Christmas Program Director via e-mail or by calling (207)872-0261.
As always, we are accepting donations for the Christmas Program. We happily accept NEW winter clothing and complete outfits in sizes 0-18, NEW Thinsulate lined gloves and mittens, and NEW toys, family games, or sporting goods.
Donation Guidelines
All items donated to the Christmas Program should be:
1. Newly purchased
2. In original packaging free of dents, tears or dirt
Our Supporters
The Christmas Program is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of the New Balance Foundation and New Balance employees from the Norridgewock and Skowhegan locations that donate hundreds of volunteer hours to help with the Christmas program. There are also contributions from a multitude of people, businesses and schools, including student athletes from Thomas College. To see a list of the Christmas Program's organizational supporters, click here.
Contact Us
For more information about the Christmas Program, please contact Christmas Program Director and Volunteer Coordinator Cristen Sawyer via e-mail or by calling (207) 872-0261.
