Greetings!

Did you know November is National Adoption Month? As you can imagine, it has been a busy month for us. I encourage you to take a look at our recent celebration at Oxford Hills in the story below.  

Now that the holiday season is here and December is just around the corner, our staff has been focused on helping those that are less fortunate. For over 40 years, we have organized and grown our Christmas Program that now helps over 1,600 local children each year by providing children with new warm clothing, toys, games and books.  
The generosity of the people in our community and across the country that have donated their time, money or gifts really warms my heart. Thank you! 

In this month's e-newsletter you can learn more about our Christmas Program, a wonderful adoption story and tips on keeping your homesafe this holiday season. 

Sincerely,

Sharon Abrams, Executive Director

Want to get involved?

Christmas Program will Help Families in Need

Each year, the Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers distributes boxes of gifts and clothing to more than 1,600 financially disadvantaged children in Maine through the Christmas Program.

The Christmas Program is the only program of its kind that provides new toys, books, games and warm clothing to the children of qualifying families.

The program is made possible by generous volunteers that pack the boxes of gifts and those who donate money and gifts.

Currently, the Christmas Program would greatly benefit from donations including size 4-14 boys and girls clothing and Thinsulate gloves.

Recent Events...

Adoption Celebration at Oxford Hills

On November 17 at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in South Paris, Maine, seven families celebrated the recognition of local adoptions at the Oxford Hills Adoption Celebration. As part of the celebration, there were refreshments, games and other fun activities.

The Padgett and Blanchette families celebrate their adoption at the Oxford Hills Adoption Celebration.

The celebration, made possible by Second Best Ministries and the Department of Health and Human Services and attended by close to 100 people, was a way to celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month and provide seven Mainefamilies a tremendous reason to be thankful--just in time for Thanksgiving. Judge Dana Hanley of the Oxford County Probate Court, was proud to introduce these families to the supportive audience.

Helpful Tips...

Five Tips to Keep your Home Safe for Children this Holiday Season

1. Check your lights. Examine your holiday lights for damage or loose bulbs that could start a fire or shock a child.

2. Check your holiday decorations for choking hazards. Keep strings, cords or wires and small ornaments out of the reach of children.

3. Be careful with candles and matches. Make sure any candles or matches are away from children's reach.    

4. Turn pot handles inwards.With an increase in cooking and the number of kids at your house this time of year, it is important to make sure cooking pot handles are not accessible to children.

5. Test smoke alarms. The holiday season is a great time to test your smoke alarms and replace batteries for appliances, holiday decorations and other devices.

For more helpful tips to keep your home safe this holiday season, click here.