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Beat the heat this summer by getting into the holiday spirit early. Your credit union can participate in Christmas in July—a month-long campaign to collect essential items for Maine Children’s Home’s (MCH) Christmas/Winter Essentials Program. This effort benefits children whose families are facing financial hardship by collecting essential items (clothing and hygiene products) for children ages 13 to 17.
Credit unions who are interested in supporting this initiative can participate in Christmas in July by signing up for one or more of the following options:
- Hosting a gift drive for patrons to donate specific items
- Posting a Giving Tree poster that lists options for patrons to give online
- Sponsoring a family in need of essential items
As an incentive, participating credit unions will be entered into two contests this year—one for the most donations collected or raised, and one for the credit union that brings the most Christmas in July spirit by decorating its lobby. The winning branches will be celebrated by MCH with a Christmas in July trophy and office breakfast.
If your branch is interested in spreading Christmas cheer this summer, please contact Amanda Simmons, Program Director at MCH, at asimmons@mainechildrenshome.org.
More About the Christmas/Winter Essentials Program:
Did you know that 42% of Maine families struggle to meet their basic needs? That’s nearly half of Maine’s families!
Because of this reality, Maine Children’s Home is expanding its Christmas/Winter Essentials Program this year to include children through the age of 17 whose families are facing financial hardship. Previously, the program provided essential items, toys, and games to kids ages 0 to 12. Expanding the age range to 17 helps more youth feel included during the winter months and provides families with much-needed financial relief.
The Christmas/Winter Essentials Program is the only one of its kind that provides brand new clothes, winter essentials, toys, books, and games to more than 1,100 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship. The program relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community supporters.
