Thomas Students Help the Home for Little Wanders

Waterville, Maine — Students from Thomas College athletic teams lent a helping hand to the gift giving program through the Mane Children’s Home for Little Wanderers in Waterville, Maine.  They prepared over 1,600 gifts for qualifying disadvantaged children this holiday season through the agency's Christmas Program.  This one-of-a-kind program provides new toys, books, games, and new, warm clothing to children throughout Maine.

The success of the program comes from the local volunteers and generous donations from central Maine businesses.  With help from area organization volunteers, such as the Waterville Rotary and Thomas College, the Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers filled boxes with donated items to be delivered to deserving children and their families. “I helped out at the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers as a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Waterville and had a great time ‘shopping’ for kids in need.  Based on each child’s interests, we loaded gift boxes with pajamas, warm clothes, books, games, and toys we thought he or she would enjoy. It was wonderful to lend a hand for such a good organization – and it really shed light on what Maine kids need during tough times,” mentioned Erin Baltes, Assistant Dean of Advancement at Thomas College.

Thomas College athletes, students, and staff then loaded and transported boxes to Waterville and Augusta armories from the Home for Little Wanderers. “We have been able to help the Home for Little Wanderers for the last two years with this program, and the teams really feel good about helping out,” said Coach Greg King.

About The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers:  The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers features a full Hague-accredited adoption program that provides assistance to families hoping to adopt internationally or domestically. The Maine Children's Home, founded in 1899, gives children and Maine families hope for the future and a chance at a better life. In addition to the adoption program, the agency offers outpatient counseling, the Teen Parent School Program, the Children's Place Early Care and Education Center, a summer camp scholarship program, and a Christmas Program that provides clothing and toys to underprivileged Maine children. To learn more, visit www.mainechildrenshome.org.