Volunteering and goodwill toward humankind during the holidays By Donna Rousseau Feature Writer
Becoming a Salvation Army volunteer is easy. Visit their office at 67 Park Street, Lewiston, and complete an application.
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“Let us know the days and times you’re available and how to contact you,” said Brake.
The Sa lvation A rmy’s largest f undraising initiative of the year is its Christmas Assistance Program. Last year the organization supported 476 families for the holidays, collecting toys for children 12 years and under, as well as clothing and food. It is anticipated that they will serve between 400 to 500 families again this Christmas season.
The mission often has volunteers from the community to help with preparing, serving, and delivering holiday meals. For those able, holiday meals are shared in the mission dining room, but meals are also delivered to people who are homebound.
holiday season draws us together like no other. Our togetherness brings to mind our blessings and that mindfulness often sparks a desire to help those less fortunate. Many agencies rely on that generosity to continue their good work for others all year long.
Salvation Army’s Lt. Jason Brake said, “The holidays seem to be the time when people think of us the most. Companies bring in toys and people take tags from our Christmas tree at the Auburn Mall. Coordinating toys and the right sizes for 1,100 to 1,200 children – Christmas Assistance is a huge project. ”
Hope Haven Mission in Lewiston provides shelter for homeless men and women in addition to running a food pantry and clothing giveaway. Their kitchen serves the community breakfast from 7:30 to 8 a.m. and supper between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
According to a mission representative, they often have families come at the holidays to assist with delivery. “We provide them with 10 meals, names, and directions,” she said. “And they deliver the meals right to the people’s homes.”
Brake added that the familiar red kettles seen at various locations throughout the cities are critical to their fundraising during this time year as well. All the money raised through the kettles allows the Salvation Army to carry out its mission, not just at Christmas, but all year long.
To become a volunteer for Hope Haven, ca ll their 209 Lincoln Street, Lewiston location at 207-783-6086, ext. 201. A representative will take names and provide details on where, when, and how to help. Other than the holidays, volunteer opportunities are limited to assisting with meal preparation and building upkeep as much of the work is done by the people who reside in the home.
With a Lewiston-Auburn office consisting of all volunteers, Brake always welcomes an additional pair of hands.
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England’s need for volunteers is driven specifically by the requests of the people
“During the year, we operate a food pantry, provide clothing vouchers and utilities assistance, and we serve lunch from a mobile kitchen Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,” said Brake. “Our biggest need is for volunteers for bell ringing, but there are other opportunities from answering phones to helping to clean and maintain the building.” When there aren’t enough volunteers, Brake and his wife undertake what needs doing.
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who live in the homes the organization operates. Times of year present different needs according to Robin Hughes, volunteer program coordinator. During the holidays, each home makes their requests for what support they need and volunteers are matched to the requests. For instance, a home might need volunteers to assist people in making a craft to give as a gift. Another might need people to help with holiday baking or decorating. Volunteers can also provide Goodwill with ideas of what they would like to do and Hughes can match them to her requests. An example would be a musician willing to provide some holiday music. Michelle Smith, communication manager for Goodw ill Industries of NNE said, “Your donation of time, talent, and expertise helps Goodwill provide programs and services for individuals with barriers to independence. There are many opportunities to fit individual schedules and interests and we work with a volunteer to make a match that fits the needs.” Anyone interested in volunteering for Goodwill may contact Hughes by phone at 207-774-6323, ext. 6316 or via email at robin.hughes@goodwillnne.org. The reality is that there are many organizations that rely on volunteer generosity and the holidays present many opportunities to lend a hand. The human spirit can’t help but be touched by the goodwill that comes from sharing the blessings of a bountiful life and that is a gift worth giving the whole year through.
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