Christmas Program Application Information

 Applications have closed for the 2024 Season.

Due to a high volume of applications for both children (ages infant to 12) and teens (ages 13-17) and limited volunteers, we’ve closed applications for now. Thank you for your understanding. If we gain more volunteers and are able to reopen the applications, we will post on this page.

About Participating in Christmas / Winter Essential Program

Maine Children's Home's Christmas / Winter Essentials Program is the only one of its kind that provides brand new mittens, gloves, hats, boots, jackets, underwear, socks, a warm outfit, pajamas, toys, books, and games to more than 1,100 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship. This program relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community supporters who provide financial support, their time, and in-kind inventory gifts. We connect families to additional community resources as needed to help them achieve their desired future and quality of life.

At Maine Children’s Home, we see this special program as a way to bring a little relief to families during a stressful time, and as a way to provide families with tools for play, connection, and comfort.

Each child typically receives: 

(box contents DO vary, due to availability of donated items and we do not give out gift cards) 

• Hat and mittens set
• Pajamas 
• Underwear
• Socks
• An outfit of warm clothing 
• A book
• A coloring/activity book with crayons or markers 
• Two toys
• A game for the family to share 
• Small, "stocking stuffer"-type gifts

We do not provide game systems, video games, video game cartridges, electronics, cell phones, or “big ticket” items.  

Who is Christmas Program for?

This program is intended for Maine families who need help to provide winter gifts to their children between the ages of 0–17 years. It is intended only for those who have no other way of providing gifts for their children and provides a basic package of clothing, toys, and books, as listed above.

In order to qualify, families must: 

• Meet the state income guidelines of having an income that is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level 
• Agree to not accept holiday assistance from other programs (except food support)
• Be the legal guardian for the child(ren) for whom they are applying
• Apply only for children and youth who are ages 17 and under 
• Provide their annual gross household income information as well as information on any other support received, such as food stamps or child support
• Proof of income may be requested 
• Be able to pick up their gift boxes from the Maine Children’s Home campus at 93 Silver Street in Waterville 

Income Guidelines 

To qualify for the Christmas Program, your monthly income must be at, or less than, the amount listed here for your family size.

Add $596.28 for each person in household over 8 persons.

This income information comes from this Federal Poverty Guidelines Chart