By Sharon Bouchard

Feature Writer / Photographer

During tough economic times with high unemployment, such as in the Oxford Hills area, providing for a family with children can be daunting. With Christmas not far away, the thought of being able to put presents under the tree can be down right overwhelming.

But there is help in the form of two programs: Christmas for Kids and Christmas for Teens.

These are programs of Rightstart, a nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers. With the help of many caring people, civic organizations and Community Concepts, Christmas for Kids provides new toys, hats, mittens, other items and books for infants and children through the 6th grade who otherwise would have little or no Christmas at all.

Children who are served are from low income families or families in a crisis due to emergency situations. In 2012, 509 children from 292 families were provided with help for Christmas from these programs.

Connie Allen, of South Paris, has been a volunteer organizer from the very beginning in 1979. She recalled how when her husband, Woody Allen, was alive and involved with Kiwanis, Operation Santa Claus, a function of that civic group filled the need for low income children.

“The first Christmas after Woody was gone was also the year that Kiwanis was not going to be doing Operation Santa Claus,” Said Allen. “For myself and my children, getting involved with Christmas for Kids was an opportunity for healing during what would have been a very difficult holiday for us.”

And, 34 years later, Allen is still very much involved with no intentions of stopping anytime soon.

“I’m committed to this area and the people we work with,” Allen added. “I just care about the community and especially the kids.”

Jean Delamater, of Oxford, is the volunteer organizer for Christmas for Teens. This program provides Christmas for deserving teens in the eight towns of SAD 17. The eligible teens served are in grades 7 through 12 and must be full-time students in Oxford Hills Middle School or Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School/Tech School.

Delamater volunteered her time in 2000. “I was teaching in the middle school then and I was very touched by these kids who had aged out of Christmas for Kids.”

Stated Delamater, “There were some groups that were trying to fill that void, but it was a natural to become a program of Rightstart.”

The programs are facilitated by volunteers and more volunteers are always welcome.

Confidentiality is stressed to insure privacy and dignity for the applicant families.

Christmas for Kids and Christmas for Teens depend on donations of toys, clothing and money from individuals, churches, civic groups, merchants and businesses.

Everything has to be inventoried and reported to an accountant and the government.

Applications for qualifying families are available at Community Concepts in South Paris and through the schools of SAD 17. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 2.  Homeless teens must have a teacher, guidance counselor or responsible adult apply for them.

Distribution is done at Oxford Plaza, Route 26 in the former K & K Video Store for Christmas for Kids and Ken and Thom’s Flooring on the corner of Paris and Winter streets in Norway for Christmas for Teens.

Those wishing to donate toys and clothing can find drop spots at Wal Mart, New Balance, Hannaford and Aaron’s in Oxford, the Chamber of Commerce in South Paris and radio station WOXO in Norway. If donating cash, make checks payable to Christmas for Kids, Christmas for Teens or Rightstart and mail to P.O. Box 726, Norway, Maine 04268. One check may be written for both programs, but designate that on the check. Donations are tax deductible.

For both Delamater and Allen, the reward of making a better Christmas for so many deserving kids far outweighs the hours they put in as volunteers.

Delamater fondly recalled how a few years ago a group of community ladies made some beautiful pillowcases and someone else donated pillows.

“I never would have guessed that something like the pillows would provide such comfort and pleasure,” said Delamater. “Now, all the kids love them.”

“For me, it’s when people pay it forward,” said Allen. “Last year a woman brought in a large box packed right full of toys. The year before she had been an applicant due to a medical issue. When things were better she wanted to pay it forward to show her appreciation. Now, that’s rewarding!”

There will be a benefit show for Christmas for Teens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Oxford Hills Compehensive High School.