Creative Giving

It seems as though the holiday goodies hit the shelves earlier and earlier every year. I use this tinsel takeover as my own personal memo that while the gifting season is about to commence, the giving season is also underway. The aisles of baubles are the perfect reminder to recognize some of the amazing work that charitable organizations in our community are doing.

We have decided to kick off the season and prepare you for Giving Tuesday (11/22/22 this year) by highlighting a few local Maine charities that work tirelessly to support humans, animals and the environment. We encourage you to learn more about them and let their good work inspire you this giving season.

Maine Needs is a grassroots organization, powered by a growing collective of volunteers. They strive to help individuals and families in Maine meet their basic, material needs by providing donated clothing, hygiene products, household items, and other necessities. Maine Needs focusses their work on those starting life over from scratch: domestic abuse survivors, asylum seekers and those facing financial hardships. 

In the fall of 2018, Angela Stone moved back to Maine after 13 years practicing interior design in Chicago. At the time, children were being taken away from their mothers at the US border for seeking asylum. Her own boys were one and three years old and she couldn’t think of anything but these mothers and their children. In October 2020, Maine Needs opened up a free community donation center and became a 501c3. In September 2021, they doubled in size and scope. Maine Needs invites you to volunteer, to donate, and to help us build on what they have all started.

The Maine Federation of Farmers Markets runs statewide programs that help sustain Maine farms, strengthen farmers’ markets, and widen access to locally-grown food for all. MFFM provides everything that new and existing farmers’ markets need to run well. They offer consultations and advice, maintain the state’s directory of farmers’ markets, host an annual convention, help markets promote their activities, and broaden access to local foods for low-income Mainers.

MFFM is grassroots, farmer-focused, and committed to guaranteeing that wholesome Maine food can be enjoyed by all. They rely on donations from anyone passionate about Maine’s farmers’ markets.

The Maine Land Trust Network strengthens the land conservation community by serving as a central hub of information. It brings conservationists together to facilitate information exchange and collaboration. Additionally, the Network provides a broad array of programs, services, and resources that build the capacity and sustainability of land conservation organizations throughout the state.

Maine has over 80 land trusts that provide countless benefits to communities in every corner of the state. Continually evolving, these charitable organizations meet the needs of Maine people in many ways: places to get outdoors, economic opportunities, locally grown food, clean water, protected wildlife habitat, and educational offerings for people of all ages. Maine land trusts make the state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Finally Home Rescue its a small but mighty organization who’s mission is to provide and find loving homes for homeless senior dogs. They pledge to provide these dogs with nutritious food, quality veterinary care, and anything else that they could want or need to comfort them during the final days or years of their lives.

Finally Home works with other local nonprofit animal rescue organizations to find appropriate homes for senior dogs and strives to educate the public on the many joys and benefits of caring for senior pets.

FOLLOW YOUR PATH

These are just a few of the many charities in our community that speak to us. Whether you choose to give locally or globally, find the organizations that align with your values and passions. Charitable giving isn’t all about money, many organizations will appreciate your time or skills that you can share. There are many ways to give back, get creative and you may find that you are receiving just as much as you are giving.