The Mission’s Christmas elves are checking their lists and want to make sure that you do not miss upcoming deadlines for the Christmas Program.
The last day parents and caregivers can sign up for the Christmas Program is Friday, December 15. The program provides gifts to children living in Addison, Beals Island, Cherryfield, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Deblois, Harrington, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Milbridge, Steuben, and on Mount Desert Island and the unbridged islands the Mission serves. Families can sign up on our website or call the Downeast campus in Cherryfield at (207) 546-4466.
Once families register their child or children to receive gifts, a parent or guardian can either shop at the North Pole on the Cherryfield campus or pick gifts up in-person at a Mission site in Cherryfield or Northeast Harbor. The last day for shopping in-person is Friday, December 22. The last day for pick-up is Saturday, December 23.
For those who wish to donate new items to the Christmas Program, the Mission still is accepting gifts for this year’s program through Friday, December 22. Gifts can be delivered or shipped to:
7 Weald Bethel Lane
PO Box 428
Cherryfield, Maine 04622
The Program needs items for all ages but has the greatest need for gifts for teens (such as gift cards, beauty products, and books young adult and science fiction books, are popular!) and toys from children (such as building blocks, dolls, and cars). A full wish list can be seen on our website and there is also an Amazon wish list to browse. The Mission also accepts gift cards and financial gifts for the program as well.
“The Christmas program deeply matters to our Downeast communities,” says Jenny Jones, Downeast Director. “Many parents or guardians ask for such simple items such as a new winter coat, or new boots, and with the support of the community we can provide those necessities as well as an unexpected but treasure, that really makes the holiday memorable.”
Each year, the Mission provides gifts to thousands of people living in Downeast and coastal Maine and on unbridged islands including children, families, elders, prisoners, and nursing home residents. Learn more about the program and its history on our website.