Holiday help is available to families through Grange’s SAD 4 Santa Project

PARKMAN — The members of Parkman Grange formally announced the formation of the SAD 4 Santa Project for 2016.

“We know there are families in our area that are going to need a little help from Santa this year,” announced Susan Manchester, master of the Grange. “We’re excited to announce that we’ll be repeating this program to will help Santa provide for our kids.”

Manchester is confident they’ll be able to meet the needs of the communities within SAD 4: Abbot, Cambridge, Guilford, Parkman, Sangerville and Wellington.

“Our program is based on the school district because other organizations are organizing their programs using similar criteria,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean we will only consider school-aged children. We hope to include children from newborns through high school seniors.”

The focus of the program is on providing warm clothing, but Grangers hope to include at least one toy or item of particular interest to the child. Manchester said, “The United Bikers of Maine have already donated three bags of toys. Shortly after Thanksgiving, we will be setting up angel trees at KC’s Country Store in Parkman and Hardwood Products in Guilford so individuals can shop for items. Also, the Cambridge Cruisers and Parkman Prowlers ATV clubs are conducting toy runs and we expect plenty of community support.”

One opportunity for the community to support the SAD 4 Santa Project is the Parkman Grange annual hunters supper served this year on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall. The menu is smoked pork loin, baked beans, casseroles, salads, yeast roll and a variety of desserts.  The winners of the Five Guns in Five Minutes Raffle will also be drawn at the supper. Admission is by donation.

Families seeking assistance may pick up applications from the local schools or town offices. Manchester noted that the deadline for returning applications is Nov. 25.

“Santa will need some time to get everything together!,” she said.

Grange members plan to distribute gifts on Dec. 18. Applications may be mailed to the Grange or dropped off at the locked box at the Parkman Grange Hall located at the corner of Route 150 and North Dexter Road.

Those interested in helping Santa may write checks payable to Parkman Grange, noting “Santa Project” on the memo line and mailing to P.O. Box 114, Guilford, ME 04443.  For more information, call Manchester 277-3942.