Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Red kettles, decorated boxes, trees with paper angels, jars labeled with one cause or another — all familiar symbols encouraging the public to donate to those less fortunate in society. In Aroostook County, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that this holiday season.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS — Salvation Army bell ringers set up their kettles around Aroostook County, sharing good tidings and plenty of smiles, in exchange for whatever donations passersby offered. Funds collected will be used to assist families in need.
For 118 years, the Salvation Army red kettles around the world have been linked to the Christmas season and to compassion for the needy. To mark the beginning of this year’s kettle campaign in Augusta, Governor John Baldacci spoke at the kick-off celebration held Nov. 20 outside the Capitol Building on State St.
Captain Matthew Morrison, Corps commanding officer said at the ceremony, “We invite all community residents to join us in this effort to ensure that the disadvantaged of our community receive the assistance they need at Christmas and throughout the year.”
Attendants, bells in hand, greeted customers throughout the state at various businesses, coins jingling as passersby dropped money into the familiar red kettles — funds destined to buy food, toys and more for those less fortunate in the state. For more information on the Salvation Army or how to make a donation, contact 764-1816 or stop by the Salvation Army Thrift Store, 157 State St.
Rathbun Lumber Company is once again collecting toys and non-perishable food items for distribution to local families, with the help of the Kiwanis Club, who’ll put together baskets and wrap gifts in time for Christmas. While the ‘tub of toys’ program has concluded, the business will continue to collect food items for the next week. For more information, call 764-4444 or visit the business, located on State St.
The Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle just completed its Santa Paws fund-raiser, with dozens of families and their pets turning out Dec. 5 and 12 to have pictures taken with the Jolly Old Elf. Participants had an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets on either a cat basket or a dog basket, each filled with toys and goodies for a four-legged family member.
“We also have tickets we’re selling for a chance to win one of four Zhu Zhu pets. Tickets are one for $2 or three for $5. Tickets can be purchased at the shelter or at JoBetts Honey booth at the Aroostook Centre Mall,” said Betsy Hallett, shelter manager.
The shelter also has a “wish list,” according to Hallett, for items regularly used by the facility. Items needed on a regular basis include: bleach, towels, kitty litter, dry cat and dog food and pet toys, among other things. For more information on what’s needed, how you can help or how to make a donation, call 764-3441 or visit the shelter on Cross St.
Homeless Services of Aroostook is another organization that relies on the generosity of others to make a difference for those less fortunate. From food and furniture to fuel, donations are always welcome and much appreciated.
“We can always use non-perishable food items, cleaning products, bath supplies, heating fuel. And monetary donations are also very much appreciated,” said Sue Mitchell, shelter director.
For more information or to make a donation to the homeless shelter, call 764-5114 or visit 745 Central Dr.
The United Way of Aroostook also relies on public support to ensure local children have a merry Christmas, complete with age-appropriate toys to open and enjoy. Collection boxes have been set up at various businesses around Aroostook, including Governor’s Restaurant in Presque Isle.
“Donations are down slightly — due to the state of the economy — but we’ve already used some funds to shop for toys and plan another trip to pick up more. Between the toys purchased and those donated, we hope to make Christmas memorable for many county children,” said Claudia Stevens, UWA director. “There’s still time to drop off toys for distribution this year.”
To make a donation to the UWA or for more information, contact 764-5197 or visit 480 Main St., Ste 301, Presque Isle.
