Holiday Help is Here: Resource Guide for Meals, Toys, & More!
The holiday season can bring a lot of joy, but it can also be a stressful time for families trying to stretch their budgets. Thankfully, our community has a variety of resources to help make things a little easier this year. United Way of Mid Coast Maine has put together a 2024 Winter Holiday Resource Guide filled with local programs offering meals, gifts, and extra support for the holidays.
Since I serve Knox County as your SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, I want to highlight the local options first, but there are plenty of great resources available in our neighboring counties too!
Knox County Holiday Resources:
Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program Thanksgiving Meal Kits
If your household could use some extra support this Thanksgiving, these meal kits are a great option. They’re available throughout November and come with a $10 grocery gift card, plus pantry staples like canned veggies, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Pick-up Times:
Tuesdays: 12-6 PM
Wednesdays: 12-3 PM
Fridays: 12-3 PM
Saturdays: 1-4 PM
You can also request home delivery if needed. Just call (207) 725-2716 or email pantry@mchpp.org to get started.
Community Meals at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rockland
Enjoy a welcoming Thanksgiving meal on November 28th from 12:30-2 PM, open to everyone. They’re also hosting a Christmas meal on December 25th from 12:30-2 PM – a great way to enjoy a hot meal and connect with other community members this season.
Thomaston Inter-Church Fellowship Food Pantry Gift Cards
If you’re a resident of Thomaston, you can receive a gift card to help with holiday grocery shopping. These are available to folks already signed up at the food pantry, making it a little easier to cover those extra holiday expenses.
Press Herald Toy Fund
The Toy Fund is a wonderful program offering toys for kids in need. The deadline to apply is December 1st, and pick-up will be in South Portland in December. You can find full details and apply here.
More Holiday Help in Our Midcoast Region:
There are additional programs available in Sagadahoc County, Brunswick, Harpswell, and Lincoln County, offering everything from free holiday meals to clothing and toy assistance for kids. If you’d like to see the full list of resources, you can download the complete Winter Holiday Resource Guide below.
Need more information or help connecting with these services? You can always reach out to 211 Maine for free and confidential help – just dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211Maine.org.
Let’s spread the word and make sure everyone in our community has a chance to enjoy the holidays this year. If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m here to help!
Comentários