The holidays are upon us and Gorham has many families who could use a little extra help this time of year. While there are numerous ways to assist others in our community, a few are outlined below:
The Town Clerk’s Office is collecting funds for the Gorham Fuel Fund. Donations can be made in person at the Gorham Town Clerk’s Office or mailed to: Gorham Fuel Fund, Gorham Town Office, 75 South Street, Gorham, Maine 04038.
The Town Clerk’s office also has opportunities for individuals to Pay It Forward. You can help by sponsoring a family for Christmas. This is a great way for a community group, organization or a whole family to get involved. To learn more, call the Town Clerk’s office at 222-1670.
The Gorham Food Pantry accepts donations of food and money so that it can offer food assistance at no cost to any Gorham resident in need. Items may be brought to the Gorham Food Pantry at any time and left in the dropbox outside the door at 299-B Main St. The Gorham Food Pantry is currently in need of the following items: canned potatoes, canned spinach, canned beets, canned creamed corn, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Photo courtesy of Blue Pig DinerHome Instead’s “Santa for Senior” program is one way to help others in the community this holiday season.
Donations of $10 Hannaford Helps boxes are also appreciated to supplement Christmas baskets and to have on-hand for emergency food when the Pantry isn’t open. Please be sure to mark the boxes for Gorham Food Pantry. For more information, please call the Food Pantry at 222-4351 or email info@gorhamfoodpantry.org.
Home Instead Senior Care in Gorham is once again sponsoring its “Santa for Seniors” program. Last year, the effort provided gifts for over 300 seniors. “We know there are a variety of gift initiatives out there, and are so grateful to have our partners and community come together to support this important cause that will bring some much-needed holiday spirit to many of our senior neighbors,” said Kathy Damon of Home Instead.
“Santa for Senior” trees are located at Sebago Brewing, The Blue Pig, Gorham House and Home Instead through December 6. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it with the ornament attached. Volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts.
Baxter Memorial Library has a Giving Tree dedicated to teens and tweens, although gifts for any age group are appreciated. Donations
of pet food and toys are also being accepted for the library’s “Pet-a-Tree” and will be given to the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook.
Many other Gorham businesses, organizations and churches are involved with holiday efforts such as Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots to help those in need in our community. Be sure to check around town for more holiday giving opportunities.