The Downeast region is sometimes characterized by two extremes: scarcity and generosity. Those who have help those who don't, time and again, and through the charitable intentions of volunteers and community members the dark days of December become much brighter. This year, holiday programs around the area are seeing increased demand as inflation rises and financial supports dwindle, although efforts are under way to match the need and fill the gaps of missing meals and gifts during the season.

Giving tree brings cheer
      At the Community Christmas Giving Tree in Machias, things have "gone very well this year," says program coordinator Deb Eckart. "We have been very fortunate to have many very generous donations, with over 50 volunteers this year."
      The program collects and provides gifts to community members in need. This year, 625 gifts were distributed, up slightly from last year's tally, Eckart says. Among those who donated were the two Kindergarten classes from Rose M. Gaffney school in Machias, who opted to donate gifts to less fortunate children in the area instead of having a gift exchange.
      "We really appreciate all the people who have donated to the program," Eckart says. "We are so fortunate to live in an area where so many people really care about our neighbors in need."

Grand Mananers rally their resources
      Grand Manan has seen a flurry of activity centered around raising funds in preparation for the Christmas holiday and distributing presents and food over the past few weeks, says Michelle Kropiniski of Action Ministries. A recent Christmas market saw "generous" donations from attendees, with all proceeds going to the food bank, and a series of Christmas wreaths were decorated, donated and raffled to raise additional funds. A food drive at Independent Grocer and a bottle drive at the redemption centre further contributed to the island's community reserves.
      As a result of all of the fundraising and donation efforts, 59 children will be receiving a gift they requested via the kids' Christmas tree at Home Hardware. Children aren't the only ones to benefit, as 30 seniors received a Christmas present from the program as well. On top of that, 96 Christmas food boxes are being distributed to ensure those families have a robust holiday dinner, Kropiniski says. "It's a busy time of year, but we couldn't do it without the generosity of Grand Mananers!"
      The need on the island is increasing, based on those who applied for help with the program. Last year, 44 children requested gifts, and 85 food boxes were distributed. "There are a lot more people in need for sure," Kropiniski says.

Shaping the safety net
      Despite its small population, Deer Island manages a big heart, boosted by the volunteers in the community who work to ensure that no one goes without. Debbie Brawn Mitchell reports that while "our needs have increased somewhat at our food bank over this past year," the food bank is managing fairly well. "The generosity of the local people seems to keep our shelves and freezers full," Brawn Mitchell says. "If there is a lack, it is for fresh vegetables and fruit."
      Six new volunteers have started contributing their time to the food bank, which helps keeps the wheels moving. For Christmas, the food bank is planning to send home "treats and other items for the season," says Brawn Mitchell.

Labor of Love provides meals
      At the aptly named Labor of Love in Eastport, volunteers arranged and donated over 225 gift cards to community members in need of assistance with Christmas dinner. While in the past, the program sent home a Christmas food box, the onset of COVID 19 and the aging of volunteers necessitated a new approach. This year, regular pantry members were provided with additional food for Christmas along with the gift cards, and some non pantry members who were referred by area churches also received gift cards.
      Eastport programs reach most vulnerable With the Labor of Love working to provide a warm meal to Eastporters during the holidays, another program in the area aims to fill other basic needs. Silent Santa serves hundreds of children from Eastport, Sipayik and Perry each season, with each child making a request that gets put onto a tag. Most often, the requests are for "simple things," says coordinator Chris Vizcarrondo, like "a nice smelling perfume, so we buy the trial size, or a sweatshirt -- but they'll say only if I can afford it. They don't want to take away from others. These are the kids that need it the most."
      Apart from gift tags for children, Vizcarrondo and volunteers provide teen hygiene bags, prompted after she received multiple requests from teens in need. "What we don't realize is the home situation with these kids," she says. "When you have a boy calling for body wash, shampoo, etc., you can't say no."
      A third program, Charlotte's Caring with Compassion, provides cleaning supplies and hygiene items for the elderly. "It's small, but it's a gift," Vizcarrondo says. "It may be the only one they're getting." Even though the packages are modest, with seven items, it's been enough to move some recipients to tears. "To me, that's what Christmas is all about. You don't know people's situation. They may look like they have it together, but they may be struggling."
      Eastport is seeing increased need on all fronts: for children, teens and elderly, Vizcarrondo reports. The program has had extra volunteers this year, which has been a boon. To help offset the anticipated need next year, Vizcarrondo is requesting earlier cash donations so the program can purchase gifts and supplies when they are on sale throughout the year.
      Donors can specify which program -- Silent Santa, Teen Hygiene or Charlotte's Caring with Compassion -- they would like to support on their check. Checks should be mailed to Eastport Area Silent Santa Program, First National Bank, 102 Washington Street, Eastport, ME 04631.

Calais Lions supply gifts, food
      Lions aren't traditionally associated with elves -- unless they're the Lions Club of Calais. The Santa's Helper program has been operating since the early 1960s and has been a cornerstone of the community when it comes to providing gifts and food to less fortunate families in the area.
      "This year's Santa's Helper is on track for another outstanding year," writes Lion Brian Nicholas in a public release. "We will be helping around 85 families and providing roughly $16,000 in food cards and present vouchers."
      The Lions raise funds for the Santa's Helper program throughout the year, along with numerous other programs dedicated to assisting the community, including providing scholarships, camp tuition, eyeglasses and more.
      "We are so grateful for the donations and financial support we receive from the generous local people and businesses," Nicholas writes. "Without their help we could not help as many people as we do."

Toys and Treasures
      Now in its 14th year, Toys and Treasures in Lubec fulfills a vital role of providing gifts for families in need. The program was started by Sonja Kinney and her daughter after they visited a homeless shelter and recognized how many go without during the holiday season. Toys and Treasures aims to prevent those in Lubec, Whiting, Trescott and Campobello from going without by taking gifts suggestions from family members and matching them as closely as possible from the program's stock.
      Figures for this year's program aren't year available, but Kinney said that demand has been holding steady. "Our motto is, 'You try your best to keep heat in your homes and food in your 'frig, and we'll try our best to put a gift under the tree of your loved ones.'"

Delivering holiday glee
      One of the largest programs in the area, Downeast Community Partners (DCP)'s Christmas for Kids, has also seen the largest increase in need. This year, the program is aiming to assist 810 children, up from 668 last year, according to coordinator Cheryl Robbins. The program assists both Washington and Hancock counties, with Washington County children comprising 457 of the total figure.
      To fulfill such a need, DCP partnered with area organizations this year, Robbins says. The Hancock County Sheriff's Department, Versant Power, the Machias Police Department, United Bikers of Maine and the Washington County Chapter of United Bikers have all been "so helpful," she says. Other notable donors include Randy Elliott of Corinth, Machias Savings Bank and the Libitzki School of Dance, to name "just a few."
      While donors are invaluable, she says, "We need more volunteers to help with this program every year to assist with set up for the program, bagging requests and, of course, our annual toy drive. We also need more donations for this program to remain successful."