NORWAY — The Christmas fundraising season has begun for Rightstart, the all-volunteer nonprofit that organizes the annual Christmas for Kids and Christmas for Teens.

Both programs provide new toys, books, clothing and other items through wish lists from local youths.

“Last year, we served 210 teens, all full-time students at Oxford Hills Middle School or Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Technical School and meeting economic guidelines,” said Jean Delamater, coordinator of Christmas for Teens.

Christmas for Teens provides Christmas for teenagers who meet economic guidelines and are full-time students at the high school or technical school, both in Paris. Homeless teens, meeting the same requirements, are also assisted under the program.

Christmas for Kids assists low-income children from infancy to the sixth grade. The program serves Norway, South Paris, Harrison, Waterford, West Paris, Hebron, Oxford and Otisfield.

Both programs involve volunteers who take the lists and buy gifts for the children. Delamater said the basic requests are warm clothing, boots, hats and gloves, along with personal care items, gift certificates for food, books and music.

Donations come in annually from local businesses and Community Concepts. Additionally, funds are raised through the annual Christmas for Teens Benefit Concert. It will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the Mark S. Eastman Auditorium at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on Route 26.

Longtime director Cynthia Wescott has stepped down from the project and Dennis Boyd Jr., director of choirs at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Middle School, has taken over the role. Boyd said Dan Allen, well known for the previous productions of “Christmas in a Small Town” and “Hills Alive Chorale,” will join him on the podium.

“This team approach will provide a comprehensive and joyous experience for both the choir participants and our community,” Boyd said in a statement. “Tapping into the years of experience Dan brings to the table will help us create a memorable experience for everyone involved in this process.”

The initial rehearsal took place at the high school music room on Sept. 28. The group is open to anyone age 12 and older and is looking to fill some production team roles.

For more information about the Christmas for Teens organization, contact Delamater at 207-539-4587 or at P.O. Box 726, Norway, ME 04268. For more information about the Christmas for Teens Choir and how you can help out, contact Dennis Boyd Jr. at d.boyd@msad17.org.

Donors can contribute money to the program or contact Rightstart to obtain specific wish list items.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net