November 2005: Downeast Energy Toy Drive for Sweetser
The holidays are a special time—families and friends come together to share celebrations and exchange thoughtful gifts. It’s also a time when it’s especially important to think of those members of our communities who need a little extra help, and share our celebrations with them. That’s why Downeast Energy, for the third year, is sponsoring the Downeast Energy Toy Drive for Sweetser, and asking its customers throughout Maine to bring new, unwrapped toys and gifts to the gift boxes located at each Downeast Energy office between November 25th and December 16th. For many children served by Sweetser, this may be the only gift they receive this holiday season. The Toy Drive will be kicked off with style at the Portland Downtown District’s annual Holiday Treelighting Ceremony on November 25th at 5:30 pm in Monument Square in Portland. Bring your kids to enjoy the huge sparkling tree and meet Captain Puffin, the Downeast Energy mascot, who will be on hand with candy. Toy Drive boxes will be available for donations throughout Monument Square, and Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band will start the festivities. This year Santa will arrive via a Portland Fire Truck along with Captain Puffin, traveling from the Portland Public Market to Monument Square to arrive at 6:05pm. Donation boxes will also be located at all Downeast Energy offices throughout the state. Visit www.downeastenergy.com for local office information. The toys and gifts donated will be wrapped and given to children and adolescents served by Sweetser throughout Maine. Adolescents are especially in need of age-appropriate gifts, such as makeup, CDs, and sporting goods. Or, the younger children always appreciate dolls, action figures, and Legos. Every gift will bring joy to the life of a child facing challenging circumstances. With a history dating back to 1828, Sweetser is Maine's most comprehensive mental healthcare organization dedicated to serving children, adults and families. With offices from Kittery to Belfast, Sweetser will serve more than 20,000 children and adults in the coming year. “Downeast Energy is a company that believes strongly in serving its communities,” said Betsy Morrell of Downeast Energy. “The holidays are an especially difficult time for kids who need help, and the Downeast Energy Toy Drive for Sweetser is a great way to help the kids who might not be expecting the best holiday. We need the help of our customers to make this toy drive a success.” For more information about Sweetser, visit www.sweetser.org, or call Kristen Crean at 207.294.4485. For more information about Downeast Energy and Building Supply and its community efforts, visit www.downeastenergy.com or call Patty Kitchen at 319-1287.