8388_LGP_MechanicFalls_2022AnnualReport_Web

SANTA FOR KIDS PROGRAM

This was the 31 st year for the Santa Program! We were able to assist 12 families (29 kids) with Christmas presents this year and deliver 36 gift bags to senior citizens in Mechanic Falls. When the call for help went out, the outpouring of support was extremely heartwarming. The families and businesses that went out and shopped did an AMAZING job! The generosity of the people and businesses in Mechanic Falls is incredible. It takes a lot of time to shop and coordinate presents for 29 children and the support I received was greatly appreciated! This was the second year for the Senior gift bags. This year we were able to surprise 36 seniors! The feedback so far has been great and I hope to be able to increase the numbers next year. I have been told “it was nice to not have been forgotten”. A special thank you to the PW crew, Jake Verrill and Derek Turcotte who assisted with deliveries. A special thank you to Patty Dyer, Jackie Ahlquist, Sarah Jones, and Janice Ferri who assisted with wrapping. And to Mavis and David Smith who delivered so many toys from out of state through Toys for Tots, simply incredible! Lastly to my family who assisted me this year, Summer for spending the day shopping for 6 kids, Allison for helping me wrap and organize the Toys for Tots deliveries, and Rob, Brenda and Rachel who assisted with wrapping. It takes a village and I am very lucky for the one I have.

Those wishing to make donations for next year can drop off new unwrapped toys, clothing, books, arts & crafts, wrapping paper at the Town Office any time throughout the year. I will be making an Amazon Wish List for next year.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to the following people for your generous donations:

Jackie & Brian Ahlquist * American Legion Post #150 SAL and Women’s Auxiliary * Terri & Michael Arsenault * Sandra & Stacy Ballard * Jennifer Beal & Michael Ballard * Janice Biardi * Dorothy Bouchles * Bryant Energy * Naomi Cesare * Chandler Funeral Homes * Cindy Charloff * Ed & Shelly Comeau * Day Motors * Cathy Dionne * Patty Dyer * Earle’s Heating Oil * Electrostatic Technologies * Elm Street School staff * Penny & Bud Emery * Beth Frechette * Casey Girardin * Peggy Goddard * Elissa Guy * High Rollers * Melissa Hodgkins * Vic Hodgkins * Lion’s Club * Walter Lowe * Machias Motel * Mechanic Falls Vet * Winnie McMorrow * Mechanic Falls Fire Association * Northeast Bank * Lori & Ricky Plummer * Jennifer Ritchie * Mavis & David Smith * Paula & Mark Stotts * Christopher & Casey Strout * Julie & Derek Thebarge * and Patricia Young.

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone” --- Charles Schulz

Michelle Emery Santa for Kids Program Coordinator

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