Opportunities in the Gorham Community
The holidays are upon us and Gorham has many families who could use a little extra help this time of year. While there are many ways to assist others in our community, a few are outlined below.
As another heating season approaches, it is expected that the demand for heating assistance will be great. The Town Clerk’s Office is collecting funds for the Gorham Fuel Fund. Contributions to this fund help support the effort to keep Gorham residents warm and safe this winter. Donations can be made in person at the Gorham Town Clerk’s Office or mailed to:Gorham Fuel Fund, Gorham Town Office, 75 South Street, Gorham, Maine 04038.
The Town Clerk’s office also has opportunities for a business or a family who would like to Pay It Forward by sponsoring a family in our town. Please contact the Town Clerk at 222-1670 to sign up. As applications come in from families needing help, The Town Clerk will match them with those willing to lend a hand.
The Gorham Food Pantry accepts donations of food and money. Items may be brought to the Gorham Food Pantry at any time and left in the dropbox outside the door at 299-B Main St. The Gorham Food Pantry is currently in need of the following items: Baked Beans, Boxed Meals (Mac ‘n Cheese, etc.), Canned Fruits, Canned Meals (Spaghetti O’s, etc.), Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, etc.), Canned Soups, Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Coffee, Disposable Diapers, Feminine Hygiene Products, Jelly, Paper Towels, Pasta, Peanut Butter, Shampoo, Spaghetti Sauce, Toilet Paper, Toothbrushes and Toothpaste. Monetary donations assist the Food Pantry in filling in the gaps as needed. For more information, please call the Food Pantry at 222-4351 or email info@gorhamfoodpantry.org.
Home Instead Senior Care in Gorham has once again partnered with local non-profit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. Through its “Santa for Seniors” program, community members can fulfill a wish for a senior. This year, “Santa for Senior” trees are located at Sebago Brewing, The Blue Pig, Gorham House and Home Instead. If you’d like to be a “Santa to a Senior,” simply remove an ornament from one of the trees, purchase one or more of the gifts listed and bring the ornament and gift back to the participating location. Home Instead staff and volunteers will collect the unwrapped gifts, wrap them, and deliver the gifts to the seniors. The tags have been going fast, but more are being added so continue to check the trees. Home Instead is also accepting donations of wrapping supplies/bags.
Baxter Memorial Library has a Giving Tree and will be accepting donated gifts with a focus on teens and tweens, although gifts for any age group are appreciated. The library also has a “Pet-a-Tree,” which is the same idea, but for pets. Kids are encouraged to bring in a photo or drawing of their pet (or a pet that they might like to have) to hang on the tree. Donations of pet food and toys are piled under the tree and then donated to the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook.
Baxter is also a drop-off location for the Gorham Food Pantry year-round so residents can continue to donate food for those in need.
Hannaford Supermarket is collecting Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots this year, and many of the Gorham schools are sponsoring food drives this time of year so non-perishable food items can be sent in with students.
Be sure to check other businesses around town for holiday giving opportunities.
Compiled by Leslie Dupuis
Editor