Glidden Paints and Aubuchon Hardware have joined forces during the holiday season to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity.

Now through Monday, Jan. 30, a portion of the proceeds from every three cans of paint in an individual purchase will be contributed to a Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

The program is being tested in 15 Aubuchon Hardware stores in New England and New York, and two of those stores are in Maine.

The central Maine store is Aubuchon Hardware managed by Dave Wilkinson and located at 484 Wilson St. in Brewer.

The southern Maine location is the Sanford Aubuchon managed by Tim Malloyd. It is located at 761 Main St.

Jeff Abare, head of New England sales for Glidden Paints, told me “we will be trying to keep the money regional,” meaning HH chapters in the test area will benefit from the fundraiser.

Abare said if the pilot program proves successful, Glidden and Aubuchon could expand the fundraiser to include all its 140 stores.

Many readers in our circulation area are familiar with Habitat for Humanity, thanks to the wonderful work of the Bangor Chapter, which has built several houses in Bangor and expanded its program to Brewer.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization through which volunteers help build affordable houses with HH partnership families.

Partnership families are those with the ability to repay a set mortgage and who are required to work at least 300 hours with HH volunteers to build their home.

The money repaid by the new homeowners is recycled into another home, and no profit is made by Habitat for Humanity.

If you would like more information about the work of our local chapter, call its answering service, 942-8977, and ask to have a Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor volunteer call you.

In the meantime, if you’re planning on doing some painting and want to help with the work of Habitat for Humanity, visit one of the participating Aubuchon Hardware stores.

What a pleasure it was to hear Beverly Johnston’s report on the results of the Hancock Grammar School Coins for Katrina’s Kids campaign.

You will recall that pupils and staff at HGS were raising money to donate to their sister school, Hancock North Central Elementary School, in Mississippi after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

“We far exceeded the modest goal we had set for our small school,” Johnson wrote, “and raised the incredible amount of $2,310.22, which will be matched by a corporate donor.”

She added that the folks at their sister school are “likewise overwhelmed by the financial assistance we have afforded them.”

Johnson wrote that many contributors “included touching comments or stories about friends and relatives living in the areas devastated by the hurricane” when making their contributions.

Johnston extends thanks to everyone “who made such generous donations of money and spirit to our giving project.

“We wish you all a happy holiday season and know that, together, we have made this holiday brighter for the students and staff of Hancock North Central Elementary School.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Here’s a raffle that will not only help support programs of the Maine Center for the Arts at the University of Maine, but could enrich you or someone else.

MCA board member Mel Braverman of Bangor wrote me to inform you that “in front of the box office of the MCA is a large, lighted, glass case, which contains 10,000 dollar coins.”

The MCA is selling 300 tickets for $100 each. The winner receives $10,000 “in coins or check,” Braverman said, and the remaining $20,000 benefits the MCA.

The drawing takes place during the May 11 performance of the Will Rogers Follies at the MCA.

So if you’re looking for a last-minute holiday gift and an opportunity to help this wonderful cultural facility, visit the MCA Box Office or call 581-1755 to purchase your ticket or tickets.

Coach Syl Pearsall and 12 members of Orrington’s Center Drive Middle School Boys B Basketball team made the Christmas season happier for residents of Brewer Rehab and Living Center.

The boys, including one wearing a Santa’s hat, distributed several dozen gifts donated by CDMS teachers.

Pearsall said he considered the team’s visit “an excellent opportunity” for the youngsters “to show their commitment to the community” and noted the teachers “were pleased to support the team and help the residents … by donating these gifts.”

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