August is National Make-a-Will Month, a time to reflect on the legacy you want to leave for your loved ones and the causes that matter most to you. 

Creating a will is one of the most loving and impactful decisions you can make. It protects the people you care about, supports the values you hold dear, and brings peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored. 

Why a Will Matters 

Having a will ensures that: 

• Your loved ones are provided for in the way you intend. 

• You decide how your assets are distributed. 

• Causes you care about can continue to make an impact thanks to your thoughtful planning. 

Don’t Have a Will Yet? You’re Not Alone. 

Many people put off making a will, but it’s easier to create than you might think — and it’s one of the most powerful ways to care for others beyond your lifetime. 

You might find that one of the many online will creators, such as Trust & Will, Legal Zoom, or WillMaker, is right for your needs, or you may want to engage an estate planning professional. If you don’t currently have an estate planning professional, the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils offers a helpful tool to find a qualified professional near you.*

Tip: A Legacy Gift Costs Nothing Today 

Leaving a legacy gift in your will is a meaningful way to support the people and causes you love, and it doesn't cost anything now. A gift of a percentage, fixed amount, or the remainder after all other bequests can make a lasting difference. 

If Maine Children’s Home’s mission — to build and strengthen families — is close to your heart, we invite you to consider including a gift to Maine Children’s Home in your will. Your future gift can help children across Maine experience the care, stability, and love they need to thrive. 

How to Include Maine Children’s Home in Your Will 

It's simple. Just share this sentence with your estate planning professional: 

I bequeath $_____ or _____% of my estate to the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, known as Maine Children’s Home, Tax ID 01-0267392, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901. 

Even a modest gift can help transform lives for generations. 

More Tips for Creating a Will 

• Keep your will updated: Revisit it after major life events (births, marriages, moves, etc.). 

• Communicate your wishes: Let your loved ones know your intentions now to avoid confusion or conflict later. 

• Name guardians: If you have children, this is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their future care. 

• Store it safely: Keep your will in a secure but accessible place, and tell a trusted person where it is. 

We’d Love to Hear from You 

If you’ve already included a gift to Maine Children’s Home in your plans — or are thinking about doing so — we want to thank you! Your generosity inspires our mission and helps us plan for a stronger future for Maine’s children and families. Please reach out to Anna Cooney, Director of Donor Engagement, at 207-873-4253, ext. 209 or ACooney@MaineChildrensHome.org. 

We would be honored to hear from you.  

Thank you for thinking ahead, planning with love, and supporting brighter futures. 

You can learn more about planning your legacy on our Planned Giving page.

And if you're ready to make a donation right now, you can through the button below!

*Information conveyed, including links to companies or other services, is offered for general informational and educational purposes only and is not advice. Seek the advice of tax, legal, or financial advisors for applicability to your situation.