BANGOR – Penquis C.A.P., Inc. (Penquis), in partnership with Blueberry Broadcasting, invites community members to take part in the annual Christmas is for Kids program, which helps provide holiday gifts for 1,300 children throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties. Fifteen local programs participate by enrolling children and families who could benefit from additional support during the holiday season.
Community members can visit the Christmas is for Kids website at www.christmasisforkids.org, select a child or family, and shop for gifts based on their interests and wishes. Those who prefer not to shop can make a monetary donation, and Penquis will purchase gifts for children who still need sponsors.
Sponsors can use advanced search features to search by age, sibling groups, town, interests or participating agency. Each profile helps sponsors choose gifts based on the child’s interests, wishes and preferences. Some profiles also include direct online shopping links to requested items.
“We know rising costs are affecting families throughout our communities, and we are grateful for the caring support that helps make the holidays brighter for local children,” Renae Muscatell, community relations manager for Penquis, said. “Every sponsor makes a difference.”
Penquis encourages community members who would like to sponsor a child to do so early in the season to allow time for shipping, sorting and distribution. All gifts should be dropped off at or shipped directly to Penquis, including online orders from retailers such as Target, Walmart and Amazon. For shipped gifts, sponsors are asked to use the child’s assigned code as the recipient’s name on the shipping label so gifts can be matched with the correct child.
All gifts should be received at Penquis by Wednesday, Dec. 16. Donations help Penquis purchase gifts for children who have not been sponsored and help make Christmas is for Kids possible for children and families throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties.
Penquis is a nonprofit organization that works alongside individuals and families throughout Maine as they build greater stability, opportunity, and well-being. Through programs, services, partnerships and advocacy, Penquis strengthens communities and connects people with resources that support housing stability, school readiness, access to transportation and healthy lives. Questions can be directed to Muscatell at rmuscatell@penquis.org.