Season of goodwill shines in communities

This holiday season, despite the poor economy, the spirit of Christmas is evident in Charlotte County and eastern Washington County as people generously give to neighbors who are less fortunate.

Silent Santa sledding full steam ahead
The Silent Santa program in Eastport was going "full steam ahead" one week before Christmas Eve, reported Denise Koehne, who co-organized the annual event with Chris Vizcarrondo and Nancy McKim. The needs and wishes of over 100 children, "age two to high schoolers" have been met, and the program had received $2,669 as of December 17 with more checks expected in that day.
"We've had hats, mittens, winter jackets, ski pants and other clothes come in," says Koehne. "None of the families' [requests] were unreasonable, and we bought gifts for children in Eastport, Perry, Pleasant Point and Pembroke."
"We're very, very pleased at the response," she adds. "The community has been wonderful. We're all in a time of need, with the price of fuel and taxes going up, but people still help one another."
Another longtime Eastport school Christmas project was retired last year. Shead High School's Operation Santa, which was organized and run by the late social studies teacher Nick Gamertsfelder, had one last run in memory of "Mr. G." Many Eastport Elementary School students were recipients of the gifts from Santa and his elves who would deliver them on an Eastport fire truck.

Santa's helpers distribute toys and gifts
Thanks to wide community support, Washington Hancock Community Agency's Christmas for Kids & More will make the holidays brighter for more than 400 local families. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and generous individuals donated hundreds of new toys and gifts to the program this year. One woman went out and spent more than $1,000 on toys she donated to the program.
WHCA, a nonprofit organization, helps by collecting and distributing toys and gifts for children, disabled people and the elderly in preparation for the holiday season. Santa's helpers at WHCA use cash donations to go out and purchase items for the less fortunate. Programs like this would not be possible without the support of community members.

Next Step helps clients with Christmas
Carrie Callahan, court advocate and volunteer coordinator for the Next Step, says her organization has gotten gifts for 30 families all over Washington County. "There are some single women in that number, and maybe one-third to one-half are children ages three months to 17. We've had lots of donations from some really good people."
"We also have a food pantry for domestic violence victims," she points out. "And we took part in the December 4 Christmas parade in Machias and handed out 200 pieces of red Twizzlers."
The Next Step is still accepting donations to help make Christmas a happy time for clients. More information is available at 255-4934 or the hotline at 888-604-8692.

Gifts put under community Christmas tree
This is the tenth year for the community Christmas tree program in Machias, and Kathy Land said it will be serving over 800 people from Jonesport to Lubec. "Twenty-five percent are single parents."
Ann Lockhart served as storefront coordinator at Holy Name Parish Hall, where 35 volunteers logged hundreds of hours making sure people weren't forgotten at Christmas. "They gather all the donations, sort them by age, and make sure they get to the recipients. Some are picked up by case managers. Helen Vose at the food bank sends people here to pick them up."
The community Christmas tree program's database coordinator Jean Lombard is another volunteer who puts in many hours and helps assure the program's success.
Although the gift giving has concluded for this year, Land says, "We are always accepting monetary donations."

Grand Mananers fill empty stockings
The Empty Stocking Fund on Grand Manan is benefiting 65 families this Christmas season. Coordinator Marilyn Carey of the island's ministerial association reports that everyone received a food hamper with a complete Christmas dinner, as well as mittens and toys, if needed.
"Tidal Threads donated 21 quilted stockings for children," says Carey. "Home Hardware put up a Christmas tree where people could leave wishes anonymously, and toys were bought for 29 children. There were also requests for clothes and games and a make-up kit for a teenage girl."
"Everybody's been very good on the island helping us out."