Helping Hands: October 3

With the school season back under way, the Sanford Mainers were pleased to partner with former Mainers outfielder Cam Ridley and his charitable organization, The Cam Cares Children’s Foundation to help local school children in need.

Ridley’s organization donated several backpacks with basic school necessities to the Mainers to support local Sanford school children in need of school supplies. The Mainers worked with Stuff the Bus, a school readiness program in Sanford that provides backpacks, school supplies and other items to prepare students from low-income families for the first day of school and to ensure their success throughout the school year. For more information on how to help out Sanford students in need, contact Wanda Parent at wmparent@hotmail.com or by calling (207) 604-4543.

Books ReVisited is having a 1/2 PRICE SALE on all hardcover books. CDs and DVDs are also on sale. Now is the time to stock up for your winter reading as well as holiday shopping. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 to 4:00, and all proceeds benefit York County Shelter Programs. If you’re interested in donating, call ahead to make sure they have space available at 490-1320.

During the month of October, for each $2.50 “Give Back” reusable bag purchased from Shaw’s Supermarket, they will donate $1 to the Sanford Backpack Program.

Partners Bank has doubled their Sanford Mainers Homerun Pledge to Grahamtastic Connection, with a $1,800 donation.

The IDEXX Foundation has made a generous contribution to the Center for Grieving Children, in the form of multi-year support that will help fund a new pet-assisted activities component of the Center’s peer support groups, designed to connect people with animals that provide comfort.

For the last 6 years Operation Ray of Light Veteran and Family Empowerment Center has been sponsoring Ice fishing adventures for vets and their families during the winter. The goal is to combat seasonal depression, connect veterans and their families with opportunities for outdoor recreation and reduce the 22 veteran suicides a day through increasing connection within the veteran and family community. They are currently working on purchasing a used 4 seat Polaris Ranger with tracks to help get vets out on the ice. This vehicle will open up more places for fishing as well as aid them in supporting veterans who are more susceptible to the cold or struggle with mobility issues. Operation Ray of Light provides all gear for the veterans including shelter, tight lines and flags, heat, meals, hot drinks and an experience for them and their families . Every donation helps to reach this goal! Please donate here if you can.

Rolling Thunder would like to place a wreath on every grave at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale on December 18 – a total of 1,175 wreaths. As of October 1, they are about halfway to their goal. Through Wreaths Across America, they get a free wreath for every two that are purchased. If you can help with this project, go to this page to sponsor or volunteer.