Help spread some cheer to needy foster kids this season

The holiday season is a time when we are reminded to thankful for all that we have—health, family, friends, a roof over our head, and food on our table. But there are many Mainers who struggle for the very things many of us take for granted. There are currently about 300 children in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties who are living in foster care.

The Office of Child and Family Services in our area is asking the public to help ensure that these kids, who are often the product of child abuse and neglect, have something under the tree this Christmas. They need donations for their holiday gift drive for children who range in age from infancy to their early 20s. Appropriate gifts include clothing, especially winter outerwear, age-appropriate toys (but not stuffed animals), art supplies, non-violent video games, sports equipment, and gift cards for area stores and restaurants.

It’s not easy being a foster child. Many children won’t have the opportunity to spend the holidays with their birth family and many foster parents struggle to provide basic necessities.

Bangor Metro and Epic Sports have teamed up see that these kids have a positive holiday season. Here’s how you can make a difference: drop off an unwrapped gift at either Bangor Metro or Epic Sports by December 13th and sign up to win a stocking stuffed with $100 worth of goodies from local merchants. It’s a win-win situation! Not only will you be boosting your own karma you’ll be helping a needy child and a generous foster family have a happy holiday season.

For more information on the gift drive contact Melanie Brooks at 941-1300 or Melanie@bangormetro.com. For information on foster parenting click here.

Drop off locations:

Bangor Metro
One Cumberland Place, suite 316
Bangor


Epic Sports
6 Central Street
Downtown Bangor