United Way of Eastern Maine has compiled a Christmas wish list for its participating agencies, and perhaps you can help whittle away at that list.

The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter seeks adult clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, boots, underwear, socks, sweaters and turtlenecks, in mostly male sizes; nonperishable food, cleaning supplies and any items that would be appropriate holiday gifts. Call Dennis Marble for more information.

Melissa Huston of Maine Adoption Placement Services reports that organization needs an executive-style desk, preferably cherry finish, with a section for a computer, and chairs for its reception area. Her number is 941-9500.

New Strategies for Youth, The Game Loft of Belfast, needs sturdy chairs, office furniture, a photocopier, vacuum cleaner, kitchenware, a desk for volunteer greeters, and replacements telephones. Call Ian Howard, 338-6447.

OHI needs the largest size sweat shirts as well as winter socks, gloves, sneakers size 101/2 and an extra-large winter coat. Gift certificates, printer cartridges and a TV-VCR combination for staff training in homes also would be welcome. Call Duane Hall at 848-5804.

Household items ranging from computer desks and chairs to bookshelves and couches, along with plastic-covered garbage cans, arts and craft supplies, a TV stand and games for children of all ages are some of the items on the wish list of the Penobscot Nation B&G Club. Call Carla Fearon, 827-7776, for further details.

Rape Response Services would appreciate donations of women’s large and extra large sweat suits, socks and underwear. Kathy Walker is the contact person at 941-2980.

Just one item is on the list for RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Paula Burnett reports that group needs acrylic or wool yarn. Call her at 941-2800.

Needs are greater for the Shaw House, a Bangor shelter for homeless youth. That organization would appreciate gift certificates to local restaurants, theaters, hair salons and stores.

It also needs food items ranging from canned foods such as ravioli or spaghetti with sauce to cereal, granola bars and fruit snacks.

Personal care items, including hair gel, cologne, shampoo, conditioner, black hair elastics, socks, underwear, disposable razors and shaving cream would be welcome, as would miscellaneous items such as stationery, pens, jewelry-making kits, journals, art supplies and size AA batteries. Call Doug Bouchard, 941-2882, for more information.

For a complete list of the needs of UWEM agencies, you can call InfoLine (800) 204-2803 or 973-6815, or visit its Web site at www.unitedwayem.org.

Christian Jarod Michaud, the newborn son of Ryan and Carrie Troulis Michaud of Lincoln, was born Tuesday, Dec. 3, with heart problems so severe he was transferred to a Portland hospital, where he has undergone five surgeries.

According to family members, however, he is doing well and holding his own.

To help his parents remain by his side during this crisis in his very young life, friends and family have established the Christian Jarod Michaud Trust Account at Peoples Regional Federal Credit Union in Old Town.

Anyone who wants to make contributions to the account to help the family can send donations to PRFCU, Christian Jarod Michaud Account No. 10374-01, 260 No. Main St., P.O. Box 434, Old Town 04468.

Instead of purchasing gifts for others during the holidays, you might consider giving the gift of time.

Spruce Run Association, the domestic-violence project serving Penobscot County, is seeking volunteers.

The organization provides a 43-hour training course for those who volunteer to answer its hot line from their homes nights and weekends, or from Spruce Run’s Resource Center in Bangor during the day.

A 30-hour training program prepares volunteer children’s workers to support and interact with children whose mothers are affected by domestic violence.

Volunteers also are needed as receptionists Monday through Friday. Training begins in mid-January, and work-study and continuing education units are available.

For more information, call 945-5102.

People who made contributions at Burger King restaurants in Maine helped raised more than $64,000 during its “A Chance for Kids” program.

The fund-raiser, conducted last August throughout New England and the Metro New York area, raised more than $790,000 to benefit the Jimmy Fund and the Burger King Children’s Charities of Metro New York in the fight against cancer.

Burger Kings in Biddeford, Kittery and Gorham were among the top 32 fund-raisers.

Burger King Restaurants in our area taking part in the fund-raiser were those located in Bangor, Brewer, Calais, Caribou, Ellsworth, Houlton, Orono, Palmyra, Presque Isle, Rockland, Skowhegan and Waterville.

Since 2000, Burger King has raised more than $1.5 million through this campaign in which customers contribute $1 and receive a ticket to win prizes ranging from a food item to a new car.

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