‘Dreams for Maine Kids’ to assist ill youngsters

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Although they have yet to grant their first wish, they are ready, willing and eager to do so.

One of my favorite Bangor Daily News colleagues, Jack Gifford, stopped by my office the other day, settled into a chair, and happily began telling me the story of a new organization created recently to “serve kids throughout the state of Maine,” he said.

“We are a new wish group, yet to provide our first wish, which we will do in 2001.

“We’re a group of Greater Bangor businesspeople, all volunteers, and we will be doing all of our wishes through private funding,” he said.

“We will not be doing any fund-raising activities.”

The nonprofit is based in Bangor and called “Dreams for Maine Kids.”

“We will be servicing children with life-threatening illnesses,” Gifford said.

“Our core age group is ages 5 to 15 only.”

Gifford was in Florida recently where the organization received official charter recognition from “Give Kids the World,” which provides dream wishes for trips to Disney World.

But Gifford emphasized that “Dreams for Maine Kids” is not limited to a trip to Disney World.

The organization is expected to carry out wishes of children who want “computers, need educational assistance, or have sports dreams they would like fulfilled,” he said.

Gifford is chairman of the board of directors of “Dreams for Maine Kids.”

Serving with him are board members Irwin Singer, Linda Parrick-Lawrence, Brenda St. Armand, Roberta Spencer and David Leen, all of Bangor; Marcia Barker of Orland and Bill Arata of Veazie.

Gifford said the group is in the process of contacting local physicians for referrals, and explained that any people “who have a child they feel would need our services can contact us, directly, or request our assistance through their physician.”

Barker and Spencer are the dream wish coordinators, and can be reached at 469-3101.

The mailing address for “Dreams for Maine Kids” is P.O. Box 201, Bangor 04402-0201.

We wish the directors of this new organization well, and commend their efforts to help fulfill the dreams of youngsters, and their families, who are coping with the difficulties of a life-threatening illness.

A special fund-raiser for Eastern Maine AIDS Network, which serves people and their families living with the disease in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Aroostook counties, is being offered by The Fenix, A Studio, of Hallowell.

EMAN has been offered its Holiday Tree of Hope to raffle as a means to raise funds for the organization.

The tree, valued at more than $2,500, features a wide array of European glass ornaments by such well-known designers as Patricia Breen, Christopher Radko, Old World, MIA, Birgit and more.

According to EMAN director Denis Cranson, a majority of the ornaments have been retired, which means they are worth much more than their average original price of $35 each. All ornaments are handmade and decorated.

The tree will be on display from Sunday, Dec. 17, to Friday, Dec. 22, at Borders on the Bangor Mall Boulevard in Bangor. Tickets are $2 each or $3 for $5.

Collectors should know that anyone who purchases of a minimum of a $100 block of tickets will automatically receive a special, triple-signed, commissioned ornament called “Victory over Discrimination,” which commemorates the 1998 Supreme Court ruling regarding people living with AIDS. Only 350 pieces were produced by designer MIA, and they are available only through EMAN.

For more information, call EMAN at 990-3626.

The United Way of Eastern Maine is compiling a wish list from its partner agencies for needs which individuals or businesses might be able to fill.

Starting today, and throughout the holiday season, we will publish as many of those requests as we can.

The Abnaki Girl Scout Council is seeking two- and four-drawer file cabinets in good condition and an odd-shaped table 36 inches wide by 22 inches deep. Call Liz O’Donnell at 989-7474.

Down East AIDS Network seeks gift certificates for fast food, movies, gas, groceries and nonperishable food for its food pantry. Call Deborah Parker at 667-3506.

Maine Mental Health Connections needs mittens, personal care items, movie passes, holiday food and other items that cannot be purchased with food stamps. Call Janice Hinkley at 941-2897.

The Multiple Handicap Center of Penobscot Valley needs cooking and craft supplies, a hand sanitizer and a Polaroid camera with film. The MHC would also appreciate hearing from community members interested in offering music or miniconcerts to its consumers. The contact person is Karen Benson at mhcpv@mint.net.

The YWCA Bangor-Brewer needs a refrigerator and 486 or higher computers for its child care programs. Call Kathy Perry at 941-2808.

The public is invited to participate in Advent Lessons & Carols at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St. in Bangor.

The evening of music and readings of the Advent season will be conducted by Kevin Birch and Francis John Vogt.

There is no admission fee, and you are encouraged to call Birch at 942-6941 for more information.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.