Did you know the cherished tradition of gift-giving taps into the core of human connection and positive psychology? 

Research shows that giving activates areas in the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust. When we give, we feel a sense of generosity, community, and increased happiness.*

On the receiving end, a gift is more than just an item — it’s a heartfelt message that reinforces the receiver’s sense of belonging and worth. Receiving a gift can help people feel that they truly matter.** 

You are making a difference in not only the children’s lives, but also the moms and dads whose burden is lifted, not knowing what they would do without programs like yours. You and your program are the change we all need to be a part of.”
- Parent who applied and received care packages for their children through Christmas / Winter Essentials Program

For children and youth, the feeling that they matter to others can support academic motivation, physical health, and decrease their chances of experiencing anxiety and depression. 

Ultimately, the psychology of giving underscores a universal truth: acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to create lasting happiness and spark a sense of worthiness.

At Maine Children’s Home Christmas / Winter Essentials Program, we work alongside hundreds of generous people in our community to give brand new mittens, gloves, hats, boots, jackets, underwear, socks, warm outfits, pajamas, toys, books, hygiene items, and games to more than a thousand children and youth in need. 

Our hope is that, just as every child and family feels their sense of worth when receiving their gifts, every donor, volunteer, and community partner feels their own increased sense of connection when they help give gifts personalized to each child’s unique interests and needs.

* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32250135/
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihBtoVfnHds&ab_channel=YorkUAlumni

 Support Christmas / Winter Essentials Program

Monetary gifts to Christmas / Winter Essentials Program help with the costs of running the program, such as purchasing specific items or clothing sizes when there is a shortage. In addition to monetary gifts, gifts of items listed on the current Urgent Needs list help make sure that every child and family gets their Christmas Program needs met.