Thank you from Rightstart

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Rightstart, Inc., Christmas for Kids and Christmas for Teens programs, we would like to thank the many schools, businesses, banks, credit unions, churches, civic groups and individuals in the Oxford Hills community as well as individuals who live outside the Oxford Hills for their generous support of these programs.

Rightstart is an all volunteer organization serving children and teens in the Oxford Hills.

From cash donations, gifts of toys, hand knit mittens and scarves, once again our community joined together to help over 700 children and teens in the Oxford Hills enjoy Christmas 2012.

We would like to thank the Advertiser Democrat and Lewiston Sun Journal for their coverage of our programs. Thank you to Community Concepts especially receptionists, Donita and Jane, for their help in getting and receiving applications to our programs.

A special thank you to Bob Bahre for his support and for the space he allows us to use for the Christmas for Kids program. Thank you to Chris and Heidi Charlton for their help. We extend thanks to Hannaford’s of Oxford, Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, WOXO, New Balance store and Wal-mart for all they did to support our programs.

Thank you to Swinging Bears, Big Rig Shop, sixth grade class at Oxford Elementary School, Oxford Hills Snow Hoppers and Toys for Tots for their contributions to our program.

Thank you to Ken & Thom’s Floor Covering especially Rhonda and Thom Maher and their employee Cari Shaw for their help and donation of space to organize and distribute gifts for the Teen’s program.

Christmas for Teens wishes to thank Maine Machine Company, Monica Laverdiere and Bearfoot Realty, Oxford Casino, Curves and Panolam Industries for the many collected items from their employees and clients.

Also, thanks to the many shoppers, organized by Kathy Bean, who took the time to take from 1 to 20 cases, in order to help 228 teens enjoy Christmas this year.

A special thanks to Ena Derenburger and the folks at Turn Key Homes for shopping and coordinating some of the donations for Christmas for Kids.

Last but not least, a big thank you to Sue Batchelder and Janis Hutchins for all the time, talent and energy they put into the program and to Wendy Williams, Lynette Gatchell-Seames, Sheila Morse, Don Cummings, Art Kenney and Karen Ellis for their help putting the gifts together for Christmas for Kids and a big thank you to all the volunteers who worked on the Christmas for Teens program.

We appreciate the support of the entire Oxford Hills community.

Connie Allen

Jean Delamater

Karen Ellis

Carlene Treadwell

Doreen Tibbetts

Susan Batchelder

Janis Hutchins

John Williams

Wendy Williams.

Rightstart Board of Directors