8747-R2_ML&P_Hollis_2022-2023_AnnualReport_Web

Christmas Fund Committee 2022-2023

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supportive residents, businesses and organizations who have so generously offered help to our program this year. The Hollis Christmas Fund would not be the successful program that it is without all of us coming together to support one another in this community. Once again, there was a giving tree at the Hollis Town Hall, the Hollis Center Public Library, and for the fifth year in a row at Salmon Falls River Tap & Grill. The committee gave each location several tags to hang on the giving trees. Each tag has a suggested item written on it as well as instructions on when and where to return the items. The locations decorated their giving trees and encouraged staff, volunteers, and patrons to get involved by choosing tags from the tree and shopping for those items. The committee volunteers would stop by routinely and gather all the presents that had been collected. Several truck loads were collected from these locations. Because of the outpouring of generosity from our community, the Hollis Christmas Fund committee has not had to apply for any grants for several years. Request letters are sent out to local businesses, organizations, and residents early in the Fall months and donations are collected all the way up until Christmas. Many of our donors like to remain anonymous and do not want any recognition for what they do. Because of this, we are very cautious to publicly recognize one business or person over another. You All are wonderful assets to this community. This year we had 40 children participate in the program from 19 Hollis families ranging in age from 3 months to 18 years. Each child received at least 2 warm winter outfits, hats and gloves, shoes and/or boots as well as several age-appropriate toys, games, puzzles, books, and gift cards. Some received winter jackets and snow pants, if needed. Each family was also given a gift card to Hannaford so they could shop for a Christmas dinner. All applications are processed through the Deputy’s desk at the Town Hall with a cut off date of December 8th, leaving just 2 weeks to get all the shopping and sorting done. The committee is considering making some changes to the program including making a cut off date for applications to be turned in no later than the first of December to lessen the time restraining burden on the small group of volunteers who run this program. If you are a Hollis resident and need some assistance providing your kids with Christmas presents, or would like to volunteer with our program, please reach out to the Hollis Christmas Fund at Town Hall, 929-8552 ext. 17 or send an e-mail to fplummer@ hollismaine.org.

-Hollis Christmas Fund Committee

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