WATERVILLE — On GivingTuesday this year, Maine Children’s Home has a goal to raise $6,000 to purchase and distribute at least 150 educational STEAM toys and hands-on kits for children whose families receive holiday assistance from MCH’s Christmas Program.
GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that occurs on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year. This year, GivingTuesday is on Nov. 30.
MCH is focusing on raising money for educational STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math — toys and kits because these items help to build foundations for learning and development in children. Because of their cost — often more than $25 each — STEAM toys and kits are less likely to be purchased and donated by the average donor.
“We’re so grateful for the volunteers and donors who make sure the kids in Christmas Program are receiving basic essential items, such as warm socks, underwear, and jackets.” said Christmas Program Coordinator Amanda Simmons, according to a news release from organization. “This GivingTuesday fundraiser for educational STEAM kits helps us provide gifts that may be a little more expensive, but are also essential for nurturing a child’s creativity and development.”
Christmas Program is the only one of its kind that provides new clothes, winter essentials, toys, books, and games to more than 1,500 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship during the holidays and cold winter months.
Other than donating on GivingTuesday, supporters of Christmas Program at MCH can drop off donations of new items (warm clothes, toys, books, and games) on the front porch of Building #3 (the second building on the right) on the MCH Campus between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 93 Silver St. Donors who drop off items are asked to fill out a donation card to leave with their donation bag or box, and to label their donation with “ATTN: Christmas Program.”
Supporters can also purchase items on Christmas Program’s Amazon Wishlist found on the Christmas Program page at MaineChildrensHome.org.
Shipments of donations can be made to Christmas Program at Maine Children’s Home, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME, 04901.
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