Manna seeking gifts for teens, parents, elderly

For a dozen years now, Bill Rae and the staff of Manna Ministries in Bangor have been doing what they can to help needy families in our area have a happier and more fulfilling Christmas.

And while many holiday campaigns focus on children, Manna reminds you that teens, parents, and the elderly also enjoy receiving gifts, especially if they are items that they truly need.

Rae reports that many people, including families, come to Manna to register for its Christmas program, and, in fact, the number of those requesting help this year stands at 425.

Focusing on adults, Rae requests that you do one of four things to help Manna help others this Christmas.

You can adopt a family or an individual; visit Manna and choose a gift request from its tree; mail a donation and let someone else do the shopping; or send or bring items to Manna that can include everything from toiletries to adult sweat shirts.

If you can help, visit Manna between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 629 Main St. in Bangor.

If you have questions, call 990-2870.

Judy Greenier, health and safety administrator for the Aroostook County Branch of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, has announced that its Holiday Gift Wrapping Booth is open during regular mall hours now through Sunday, Dec. 24, at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle.

Greenier wrote that all proceeds from the booth “stay in our community to support emergency assistance needs of victims of local disasters,” including food, shelter and clothing.

If you can volunteer to work in the booth, call or e-mail Greenier “to find out what dates and times are available.” Her number is 762-5671, and her e-mail is greenier@pinetree.redcross.org.

Bobbie Fowler, president of The Animal Orphanage in Old Town, wrote that the organization is preparing for its annual Regifting Sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Old Town-Orono YMCA on Stillwater Avenue in Old Town, and that your contributions are needed.

The shelter needs things to sell, Fowler reports. Sale items don’t have to be craft or animal items, and what is great about this fundraiser is that you are actually encouraged to make a donation of something that was, perhaps, given to you with the best of intentions but isn’t just right for you.

Or you can head up to the attic, through the garage or down to the cellar and find things that you no longer need but that someone else might be able to use, and donate them to the sale.

You can drop items off 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at the Animal Orphanage off Airport Road in Old Town, or call 827-8777 to arrange to have your contribution picked up.

Continuing with the animal theme, Rebecca Henderson has announced the first Presents for Pups campaign is under way from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during December at Renaissance Dogs, 127 Main Road (Route 1A) in Holden.

The campaign collects new, unused dog toys to be divided between the Bangor Humane Society and the Hancock County SPCA.

In support of this campaign, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today, and the same hours Wednesday, Dec. 6, Keepsake Photography will be at Renaissance Dogs to take your dog’s photo with Santa or in a winter scene.

The photo can be of your dog alone or can include the whole family, and the $5 sitting fee will be waived if you bring a new, unwrapped dog toy.

Prints of the photos with Santa will be available for purchase, and 50 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Presents for Pups campaign.

For more information, to schedule a sitting time, or for directions to the drop-off spot in Holden, call 989-9977 or visit www.renaissancedogs.com.

Nancy MacDonald invites you to the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center’s Outdoor Christmas Pageant at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, on the center’s front lawn in Bangor.

The half-hour presentation features a re-enactment of the Christmas story, including live animals from area farms.

Guests can participate in caroling (bring a flashlight to read the music) and then enjoy hot chocolate.

Children are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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