Gorham residents are known to be supportive when there is need within the community. As the holiday season approaches, there are several giving opportunities that address some of those needs. Here are just a few local organizations that would greatly appreciate your support as you get into the spirit of giving.
The Gorham Food Pantry, located behind St. Anne’s Church at 299 B Main Street, accepts a wide variety of donations: non-perishable items (cereal, cooking oil, pasta, sauce, etc.) and hygiene essentials (soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, etc.). Donations can be made in the donation box on the ramp of the Food Pantry, at Baxter Memorial Library, Casco Federal Credit Union (Maine Street Branch) and at
St. Anne’s Church during their open hours. Monetary donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 547, Gorham, ME or a one-time or recurring payments can be made online at the Food Pantry’s website here. The Pantry does not accept open packages of food, alcohol or any medicine. Current needs are: cereal, coffee, cooking oil, baked beans, juice, tomato products, feminine incontinence care, and nutritional drinks such as “Ensure.”
The Town of Gorham has several programs to help those in need. The Fuel Fund provides heating fuel to families in need. Fund donations can be made at the Town Clerk’s office or mailed to the Town Clerk at 75 South Street. Businesses or families can sponsor a family for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The Town also accepts gift card donations and will distribute them to families. Questions about donations can be directed to Laurie Nordfors, the Town Clerk, at lnordfors@gorham. me.us or 222-1670.
The Giving Tree at Gorham High School (GHS) is an endeavor to lighten the holiday burden for families in the school community who are struggling with hardship. Teachers, school staff, students, civic organizations, churches, businesses and community members come together to provide donations for these families. Community members can donate in several ways: they can choose a tag from the Giving Tree at GHS and shop for the item or they can donate money. Contact Deborah Gaudette for more information at deborah.gaudette@gorhamschools.org.
“Santa for Seniors” program, sponsored by Home Instead, provides gifts for seniors in the community. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament from trees located at Sebago Brewing, The Blue Pig Diner, Gorham House and Home Instead. Return the requested gift with the tag attached by December 6. Volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts.
Baxter Memorial Library has several opportunities to contribute gifts for local teens/tweens as well as the Animal Refuge League.
Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance provides resources to veterans and is always in need of new socks, travel-size hygiene items such as chapstick, coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, pants, shirts, sweaters, flannels, and sleeping bags. Donation drop boxes are currently located in the lobby of the Gorham Police Department and at the Gorham Mr. Bagel.
Courage House, located at 24 School Street, accepts household items and clothing. Presently there is a need for winter clothing. Donations can be dropped off by driving to the back of the house where someone will assist you. Questions about donations can be directed to Al Garcia at alberto.garcia.85@hotmail.com.
Gorham has many other local businesses, organizations and churches donating to special causes that help others. Be sure to check around town for these and many more opportunities to get involved in helping our neighbors this holiday season.