Christmas is a time of joy and giving, especially for those children who might otherwise go without. In Bangor, Maine, the "Christmas is for Kids" program, a partnership between Penquis and Blueberry Broadcasting, has been making a significant impact for decades. This beloved program ensures that every child has the chance to receive a special gift on Christmas morning.

Spreading Holiday Cheer One Child at a Time

How to Help

There are two straightforward ways to contribute to this wonderful cause. Firstly, visit www.christmasisforkids.org to sponsor a child. You can choose a child based on their age, town, or toy interest, then go shopping for their gift and deliver it directly. This allows you to have a personal connection with the child you are helping. Secondly, if you're short on time, you can make a monetary donation. Penquis' team of volunteer shoppers will then take care of purchasing and delivering the gifts. With a record number of children waiting to be sponsored this year, every contribution, whether big or small, matters.

Blueberry Broadcasting has played a crucial role in this program since its inception in 1984. Natalie Knox and Mark Osborne launched it at KISS 94 FM with the aim of bringing joy to children in need. By sharing the needs of kids over the air and encouraging callers to sponsor a child over the phone, the program quickly gained popularity. Over the years, it has grown into a cherished community tradition, reaching over 1,200 children across three counties. Blueberry Broadcasting's unwavering commitment to this cause has been a driving force behind its success.

For many families, the holidays are a difficult time, and for some children, this program is their only source of holiday cheer. Penquis works closely with local businesses, volunteers, and other community agencies to ensure that the gifts reach the children who need them most. It's a true community effort that brings everyone together to make the holidays brighter for kids.

Getting Involved

Getting involved in the "Christmas is for Kids" program is easy. Simply visit www.christmasisforkids.org to sponsor a child or make a donation. If you choose to shop for a gift yourself, make sure to include the child's ID code when shipping directly to Penquis. This ensures that the gift reaches the right child. Donated gifts should not be wrapped, but should be clearly marked with the child's code. Placing unwrapped items in a gift bag is acceptable. The drop-off deadline for gifts is December 18th. Penquis is a central drop-off location at 262 Harlow St., Bangor, ME, during business hours from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Penquis is proud to partner with Blueberry Broadcasting and thank Katahdin Trust for their sponsorship of this important program. Any questions about the program can be directed to info@christmasisforkids.org. Every donation makes a difference, and together, we can ensure that no child wakes up without a gift this Christmas.