BATH — The Bath United Methodist Church, as part of its ongoing caring ministry and because of difficult economic times, has been collecting new Christmas gifts for children and seniors in rural Western Maine who would not receive a Christmas gift this year.

The growing poverty among families and seniors right here in Maine requires that the church turn to the generous Bath area communities and ask, “Can you help?”

The Christmas gift collection project will be taken from the church at 340 Oak Grove Ave. to the parking lot at Bath City Hall on Front Street, on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bath area residents are encouraged to support this ministry by purchasing a gift for a child, teen, parent or senior and bringing it to the collection site at City Hall. In addition, stop for a cup of coffee and a cookie while learning more about this ministry to Maine people and get a list of suggested gift items.

Once the donated gifts are delivered to the Economic Ministry, the UMEM staff set up appointments for eligible area parents who receive coupons to make gift choices for their children at the UMEM Center in Salem Township.

Adults will receive a gift with their Christmas food basket.

For information about the Christmas gift program and the United Methodist Economic Ministry, contact the Bath UMC at 443-4707 or the UMEM at 678-2611; or go to www.umeconomicministry.org.