The communities of Passamaquoddy Bay were gifted with kindness over the holiday as giving programs saw volunteers rallying resources together to provide toys and necessities to those who are financially struggling this year. While some programs focused on giving the means to have a special meal or something new to play with, others sought to raise donations for the most basic comforts based on the need they were seeing.

Silent Santa brings warmth
      In Eastport, Christina Vizcarrondo of the Silent Santa program says that children "aren't asking for toys. They're asking for warm blankets, warm clothes. A mattress on the floor." After getting "way more" requests for needs rather than wants, Vizcarrondo focused the program's efforts on getting essentials such as winter clothing and hygiene items this year -- along with "one toy for every child."
      Despite her efforts -- fueled by her own experiences as a foster child with limited means -- Vizcarrondo says she hasn't been able to fill all of the tags. "Donations were very down this year," she says, explaining that she wasn't able to organize sending out donation letters and that she'd "like to see more community involvement" moving forward to help meet requests.
      As part of the program, Vizcarrondo works with the guidance counselor office in the school system and was invited into the homes of some local families. "It was a true eye opener," she says. "We have true poverty in our community. We have children with no running water. Heating with wood heat. Sleeping on floors."
      Vizcarrondo plans to organize an additional fundraising effort after the holidays to help meet some of the basic clothing and bedding needs of children in the area through the Silent Santa program and will continue accepting donations for the cause.

Labor of Love fills plates
      The importance of a filling meal during the holiday can't be understated. More than just calories, the sensation of comfort it provides can be enough to keep the body that much warmer heading into the colder months of the new year. At the Labor of Love in Eastport, approximately 250 families in the region had their holiday meal enhanced with a $40 gift card this year.
      "It was very successful," says Madeline Murphy of the program's efforts to raise and distribute the funds. "We have some amazing volunteers" at the pantry, Murphy says, including those who helped deliver the cards to nearby towns. "We are blessed!"

Safety net holds strong
      At the Deer Island Safety Net, demand is higher than it's been in previous years, reports Debbie Brawn Mitchell. Even with having more clients, the food bank is stocked through the holiday season. "We have been able to top through donations," she shares, adding that the food bank has enough scheduled volunteers to meet its needs.

Grand Manan thrives with generosity
      On Grand Manan, the holidays of 48 households with 97 children were brightened with presents through the efforts of Action Ministries, says Michelle Kropiniski. "We also received beautifully knit toques and mitts for adults and children from a few different individuals to add to these gifts," she says, along with cookies and donations from the Lighthouse Church and Post Office Pizza.
      The number of children being assisted this year is substantially higher than last year's 60, Kropiniski says. The number of requests for Christmas food boxes was also much higher, with 121 packed this year, more than the 95 last year. "The need continues to rise."
      Fortunately, the ministry has been assisted by a rising number of volunteers "without whom we could not make this happen," with 14 coming on board this year for a total of approximately 48.
      Through a special partnership this year, the ministry worked with the village to pair seniors' gift requests with community members looking to buy presents that were then delivered with the Christmas food boxes. "In years past, the gifts were collected for the nursing home, but we are so thankful for the village expanding and including more seniors' gifts."

Toys and Treasures spreads cheer
      In the Lubec area, the Toys and Treasures program has been busy collecting and distributing gift bags around the area. Launched by Sonja Kinney and her daughter 15 years ago, the program aims to provide "those who get left out" with a special gift.
      "If someone needs help getting a gift for a nephew, friend, someone who mows their lawn, I'm all for it," Kinney says, adding that she often assists those with mobility issues or who need help buying items online. This year, around 120 bags with socks and other basic necessities will be going out to the housing developments, she says, along with items to elderly residents and others who have reached out to her.
      This year's requests have been lower than in previous years, Kinney says, which she sees as a positive sign. "Maybe they're doing better."

Giving Tree delivers glee
      In the Machias area, the Community Giving Tree collected gifts for more than 590 individuals, including children, youth, single parents, adults with special needs and senior adults, says Shar Landers.
      While "the need is always there," Landers notes that the types of requests coming in each year are different, with some years having more requests for clothing and others have more requests for toys. "We're discovering each year is different, as if things are perhaps happening in cycles."
      The number of donations coming in has increased this year, Landers says, adding that the program is very thankful for what it has received and for its "energetic and enthusiastic" volunteers.

Calais Lions extend a helping paw
      For more than half a century, the Calais Lions have been running the Santa's Helper program. This year, the program was able to assist all 73 families who reached out, including 165 children, says Leif Rambjor of the Lions. The program distributed $3,650 in food cards and $12,375 in gift cards for a grand total of $16,025.
      The need this year has been about the same as it was in previous years, Rambjor says. "The number of donations has definitely gone up this year, as we have already received donations for our next year's program!"

Giving tree inspires generosity
      After seeing the giving magic tree at Downeast Community Partners, 7 year old Aubree McManus of Columbia Falls was inspired to launch her own effort to try to do more. With the help of her mother, Brittany, Aubree collected more than 30 items and organized an auction to raise just over $1,000 to buy gifts for those in need. They used the funds to fill tags in area trees, buying presents for children and elderly alike.
      "I have always encouraged Aubree to remember the importance of kindness and giving to those who are a little less fortunate," says Brittany, who grew up in foster care herself.