Beyond the Headlines: Tis’ the season for giving

As featured in the Courier:

While I would argue that every time of year is good for volunteering, the holiday season is an especially good time for giving back. Through the Open Hands Open Heart program at the Saco Food Pantry, we are collecting children’s winter clothing at the legislative office. We are in need of the following new and gently used children’s clothing:

Girls:
Pants sizes 7, 8
Leotards, socks
Underclothes (new)
Coats, boots
Kids age 5 and older

Boys:
Pants sizes 7, 8, 10, 12
Socks
Underclothes (new)
Fleece jackets
Sweaters
Boots, shoes
Kids age 5 and older

If you have any questions about the Open Hands Open Heart program you can contact Elaine Fournier at 286-9939 or by email at efournier@maine.rr.com.

In addition to clothing, it is also nice to ensure children in less fortunate circumstances in Saco and the surrounding communities have a little something on Christmas. Santa Bil’s Workshop is a great program started six years ago by Biddeford’s Bil Moriarty. We have an official drop box for any and all new and almost new toys you are willing to give.

Last weekend a number of residents dropped off clothing and toys, including members of York County Community Action. Thank you for dropping off two big bags full of toys and a brand-new bike for the toy drive.

If you’d like to donate what you can, you can swing by our legislative office at 199 Main St., Saco this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Hope to see you all there.

Justin Chenette is the state representative for district 134 in Saco. You can get legislative updates about the work out of the 126th Legislature at www.justinchenette.com, Facebook.com/justinforsaco, and Twitter.com/justinchenette.