Christmas in July

Collecting donations for the families of Christmas / Winter Essentials Program at MCH

Christmas in July is a summer campaign by Maine Children’s Home (MCH) that spreads the spirit of MCH’s Christmas / Winter Essentials Program — our winter and holiday assistance program — throughout the year. During this month-long campaign, local businesses generously volunteer as gift drive and collection locations where the public can donate much-needed, brand new items (listed below) to be included in care packages for children and teens. These care package items are distributed during the winter to support families facing financial hardship.

Since Christmas / Winter Essentials Program requires so many hours of organizing and planning to supply care packages of gifts to more than 1,500 children, it is important that donations to the program are given throughout the year than only during the holiday season.

This is why the Christmas in July campaign exists — to help Christmas / Winter Essentials Program prepare for a successful season of giving!

What is Christmas in July collecting this year?

This July, Christmas Program is seeking donations of brand new:

• Coloring books — for kids ages 3 – 12
• LEGO sets
• STEM kits
• Shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste — for teens ages 13 – 17

Find and purchase any of these items online using our DreamList

Find and purchase any of these needed items online through our DreamList registry. Your donations help Maine Children’s Home prepare care packages for children and teens across Maine during the winter season.

How to use DreamList:

1. Go to www.DreamList.com/of/christmasinjulymch
2. Select the item you wish to purchase, then click the "Get this Gift" arrow button.
3. Click on the "Reserve & Buy" arrow button.
4. In the pop-up window, enter your name, email address, and quantity of items you selected for purchase. If you already purchased this item, click the "I've already purchased this" box. Click on the "Reserve & Buy at the Store" button.
5. You will be redirected to the retailer site for the specific item(s); confirm quantity and add to cart. If available, please check this item as a gift.
6. When you're ready to check out, enter the delivery address:
   Christmas in July
   Maine Children's Home
   93 Silver Street
   Waterville ME 04901

Please be sure to send all toys and gift cards to the MCH address and include C/O Christmas in July in the address block.

Where can donations be dropped off?

Donations of the items listed above can be dropped off throughout July at the following participating locations:

• Connected Credit Union  -  12 Monument Street, Winslow, ME
• York Woods Tree & Products  -  300 Route 236, Eliot, ME
• Maurices  -  30 Elm Plaza, Waterville, ME
• People's Salon & Spa  -  18 Temple Street #6629, Waterville, ME
• Charlie's Subaru  -  448 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME
• Statewide Towing & 1st Choice Storage  -  173 River Road, Chelsea, ME

Donations can also be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., from Monday through Friday, on the front porch of Evergreen Building (Building #3, the 2nd building on the right after entering the MCH campus). Those who drop off donations are asked to please fill out a donation card to leave with their donation bag or box, and to label their donation with “ATTN: Christmas / Winter Essentials Program.”

Is your business interested in helping Christmas in July?

Sign up through this registration form.

If you have questions about participating in the Christmas in July collection campaign, email Giving@MaineChildrensHome.org with the subject line "Christmas in July" or call our Charitable Giving Manager at 207-872-4253 ext. 274.

About Christmas / Winter Essentials Program

Christmas / Winter Essentials Program at MCH is the only one of its kind that provides brand new toys, books, games, warm clothing, and winter essentials to more than 1,500 Maine children and teens whose families are facing financial hardship during the holiday season. It’s a year-round effort that would be impossible without generous donations, volunteers, and community support.