The Christmas Program at Maine Children’s Home is now accepting applications from families who want to receive assistance providing gifts for their children this upcoming holiday season.

“We actually begin prep for the holiday giving season in July at Maine Children’s Home,” Christmas Program Director Amanda Simmons said. “We accept donations all year long but, over the past few months, we’ve been organizing and checking our inventory in preparation for a busy season before opening up the application process to families.”

Christmas Program at MCH is the only one of its kind that provides brand new clothes, winter essentials, toys, books, and games to 1,200 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship. This program that relies on the generosity of many people — donors, volunteers, and community supporters — also connects families to resources for mental health and parenting support.

The program is intended for Maine families who have no other way of providing gifts for their children between the ages of zero – 12 years. In order to qualify, families must:

• Meet state income guidelines (MCH currently work at 133 percent of the federal poverty level).

• Agree not to accept holiday assistance from any other organization (except food support).

• Be the parent or legal guardian of the children for whom they are applying

• Apply only for children who are ages 12 or under.

• Provide social security numbers for each income-earning individual in the household.

• Provide their annual gross household income and any food stamps or child support received.

• Be willing to provide proof of income.

• Be able to pick up their gift boxes from Maine Children’s Home campus in Waterville.

While gifts from the program do vary, each child typically receives: Hat and mittens set; Pajamas; An outfit of warm clothing; Toothbrush and toothpaste; A coloring/activity book with crayons or markers; Two toys; and a game for the family to share.

Christmas Program does not provide game systems, video games, video game cartridges, electronics, cell phones, or “big ticket” items, and does not give out gift cards.

Families interested in applying can visit www.mainechildrenshome.org/programs/christmas-program to learn more.

At the start of the season, Christmas Program is making a public call for donations of the following items: Family games (ages 7-12), Batteries (sizes AAA, 9V), Thinsulate lined gloves/mittens (girls & boys), Coloring Books (girls & boys), Dinosaurs, Princesses, Older kid themed, Jumbo size 8 ct. crayons (for toddlers), Legos (ages 8-12), Girls Shirts & Pants (size 7/8), Girls Shirts (size 10/12), Girls Shirts & Pants (size 2T), Girls Pajamas (sizes 8, 10, 12, 18), Boys Shirts (size 6 and 12), Boys Pants (size 8), and Boys Pajamas (sizes 10, 12, 14/16, 18).