PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – In past years, several members at Presque Isle Middle School took on a project known as “White Gifts,” a project committed to providing Christmas gifts to needy students in the district. Although this project was not done last year, it was reintroduced this year as “Hands of Hope.” It is the district’s hope that it may be able to help provide for the wishes and needs of the less fortunate students.
Throughout the district there are many students in need of holiday gifts. Staff members were asked if they knew of any students in their classes or in the district that may qualify for this project. Names were forwarded onto the guidance counselors at each school.
Once a list of students was completed, a Christmas stocking with a child’s wish/need list on a label was placed in each building. Staff brought their unwrapped gifts, with a numbered label on them, back to the Christmas stocking and placed the gifts in the box provided. Gifts needed to be ready no later than Friday, Dec. 12.
The goal was to purchase gifts for every child on the list. Monetary contributions and wrapping paper were also accepted. Staff and National Honor Society students wrapped the gifts after they had been collected and sorted during study halls.
Hands of Hope helped provide Christmas gifts for 53 SAD 1 students, representing 39 families. Ninety SAD 1 employees participated in this program. The project received donations from many individuals, as well as several area churches. Hands of Hope also received a donation of toys from a fund-raiser held locally.
Members of the Hands of Hope Committee include Keely Caron, Paula McCrossin, Tim McCue, Mary White, Allison Reed, Wes Lavigne and Deb Raymond.
