9358-R3_LGP_MechanicFalls_2024AnnualReport

Santa Program We have just completed the 34th year of assisting Mechanic Falls families in need. The pro gram is funded completely by donations from local businesses and citizens. This year we were able to assist 19 families (a record high 40 kids). This number is climbing each year. Families apply and must meet certain criteria, including income limits. Last year we assist ed 12 families and 25 kids. Again this year, the Facebook group page to post the programs wants and needs was used. Community members purchased the items and delivered them to the town office. Community participation is growing and has helped in making this a highly successful year. The senior giftbag program this year continued to grow as well. This year, 78 seniors received a gift bag! Up from 42 the year before. The Facebook group page was used as well to help sup port this effort. Each senior received a blanket, set of gloves and hat, warm socks, snacks, and other miscellaneous items. The feedback from this project is always so heartwarming. I heard from many saying the items were very thoughtful, useful, and so appreciated. But mostly the fact that someone thought of them was most important. The Vineyard Church was a huge donor again this year. They took on 6 families (10 kids). The members of their congregation supplied the kids' wants and needs. Not only did this save the program funding, but it allowed me time to concentrate on the remaining kids and seniors. There is a lot of time and organization that goes into running this program in a short period of time, and their help was appreciated. We had a unique situation that arose this year for 20 of the kids. I worked with the Vineyard Church and between the two of us we were able to provide what these kids needed for the holiday. These connections are so important to help the members of our community. In addition to the Vineyard Church and its members, I would like to thank the following peo ple for their donations this year: American Legion #150 SAL, Michael Baird, Natalie Bergeron, Rena & Walter Berry, Janice Biardi, Don & Elizabeth Boisvert, Paula Bolduc, Bryant Energy, Chandler Funeral Homes, Cindy Charloff, Dianne Collet, Ed & Shelly Comeau, Cindy Cormi er, Julie Cushman, Daddy O’s, Dad’s Place, Day Motors, Alicia Dunn, Patti Dyer, Janice Earle, Earle’s Heating Oil, Penny & Bud Emery, Beth Frechette, Freeze Kompany, Cathy Griffiths, Mo Hadley, Stephanie Hazelton, Vic Hodgkins, Renee Irish, Nick Konstantoulakis, Patty Mar quis, Winnie McMorrow, Mechanic Falls Fire Association, Barbara Morton, Lori Plummer, Jackie Preston, Linda Purington, Laura Roy, Betty Siegel, Susan Smith, Shannon Snowman, Amanda Stoddard, Paula Stotts, Darlene Thomas, Matthew Tirrell, Anna Turmenne, Laura Vincent, Carrie White, Sherry Wilbur, Jen Williamson, and Judy Withers. And thank you for all the donations left at the town office. Thank you!

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