Spirit of season shines on

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

Operation Santa

Shead High School's Student Senate once again participated in Operation Santa, buying and wrapping enough gifts for everyone in K4 through Grade 8 at the Eastport Elementary School. Santa and his elves were transported by fire truck from the high school to the elementary school on December 22. Teacher Harriett Real, who took over the program after the death of Nick Gamertsfelder, says the eight students on the Student Senate got "lots of help" from the community, including Walter Cummings of the Maine National Guard. "The gifts this year included stuffed panthers, basketballs, lava lamps, snow tubes and Walmart gift certificates," reports Real.

In addition, the Shead student body held its annual food drive for the Labor of Love Food Pantry in Eastport and helped the Greater Eastport Ecumenical Churches Association's volunteers prepare food baskets for delivery.

Gifts for the community Christmas tree

This is the ninth year for the community Christmas tree program in Machias, and Kathy Land says it will be serving about 800 people of all ages from Jonesport to Lubec. "We serve children up to after 21, special needs adults, and the elderly."

At least 100 pairs of boots were purchased, and Land reports, "Each year we're getting more clothing requests, rather than toys. School-aged kids don't have warm clothes to wear."

Even though the program is very organized, this year's cut-off was December 17 because it was low on funds. "We can't promote it, if we don't have the money," points out Land. "We have a work group of 10 ladies who plan all year round, and 25 to 30 volunteers for the season. We have a lot of data and track everything we've given."

"With what we have, we try to make Christmas the best it can be for people. That's all we can do."

Helping Santa Claus

The Silent Santa program at the Eastport Elementary School was progressing "pretty well" a few days before Christmas as parents were stopping by the school to pick up their children's gifts. Organizer Cindy Mitchell reports that all of the needs and wishes of the 83 children were met. Thanks to the generosity of abut 40 donors, the youngsters who needed warm clothing will get boots and coats from Santa. "And we were able to buy some gifts in Eastport, so we were able to give back to the community."

"We want to thank everybody for all the donations, whether they were monetary or they filled the wishes on the bell," says Mitchell. "People's compassion was heartfelt, and we successfully filled the needs of the kids."

Spreading joy in Washington and Hancock counties

Christmas for Kids & More is a program of the Washington-Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) that provides gifts for those in need, including children, seniors and the disabled.

"We've needed gifts for the older kids. Boots and coats for teenagers," reports Nancy Burgess of WHCA. "Girly stuff. Hygiene items for the teens."

She estimates that WHCA is serving the Christmas needs of 200 people in Washington County and another 200 in Hancock County. "We've bought hundreds of toys. We're a little busier this year than last." Among the donors have been United Bikers of Maine as well as students from Beatrice Rafferty School in Pleasant Point, and elementary schools in Cherryfield and Harrington. "The kids did a tree. They'd pick a name from it and took care of buying presents for that child."

"We're still taking donations," adds Burgess. For more information, contact WHCA at 546-7544.

Supporting domestic abuse victims

Michelle Potter, program manager for the Next Step, says her organization has once again been working to make Christmas a happy time for the program's clients. "We're going really well," she says of the funds that have been donated. "We are [buying presents] for over 20 families in Washington County, plus more in Hancock County."

Approximately 20 area businesses, as well as organizations and individuals, have either purchased gifts or donated money to the Christmas program. "Overall, we have a large array of items," reports Potter. "A lot of kids need shoes and jackets. Boots are a big thing this year."

Anyone wishing to donate money can call the Next Step at 255-4932.

Feeding Grand Manan families

Marie Thomas once again coordinated the Empty Stocking Fund on Grand Manan "for the 37th or 38th year," and she says about 60 boxes were packed by four volunteers at the North Head Baptist rectory on December 17 and delivered by 10 volunteer drivers to homes up and down the island.

Each box contained a complete Christmas dinner and, thanks to the generosity of the island's Ministerial Association, there was enough money to buy extra milk, bread and a pie for each family.

"Action Ministries provided whatever children needed, whether it was toys or clothing, so those were delivered, too," says Thomas. "Everything went very well."