The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers is in need of donations quickly for its Christmas Program. The toys are boxed up and sent to children around the state, so donations are needed before December 6th, in order to leave time for shipping.

People in many situations benefit from programs at the Maine Children's Home. It features a full Hauge-accredited adoption program that provides assistance to families hoping to adopt internationally or domestically. In addition, the agency offers outpatient counseling, the Teen Parent School Program, The Children's Place Early Care and Education Center, a summer camp scholarship program, and the Christmas Program that provides clothing and toys to underprivileged Maine children.

We chatted with Christmas Program coordinator Cristen Sawyer about the process. She says donations are taken all year long and volunteers begin boxing them in the late summer/early fall. It's a huge undertaking with 7,000 children served each year. So, that means that, by this time of year, the volunteers are feeling the crunch for any donations that have not been received. Those donated toys need to be at the center at 93 Silver Street in Waterville by December 6th.

The new donation items most needed are:

  • Clothing in complete outfits, sizes 2-16
  • Thinsulate gloves
  • Books for ages 0-12
  • Coloring books depicting popular characters and Crayola crayons
  • Legos for ages 8-12
  • Monster High
  • Frozen
  • Ninja Turtles
  • Princesses
  • Barbie play sets, vehicles and houses
  • Barbie and Ken dolls
  • Mickey and Minnie Mouse
  • Doc McStuffins
  • Wrestling
  • Remote-controlled vehicles
  • Developmental/lighted/musical toys for infants and toddlers
  • Crafts for both boys and girls

Donations can be dropped off in the development office at The Maine Children's Home. 93 Silver Street, Waterville. Financial donations are also accepted. For more information, log onto the Maine Children's Home website.

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