WATERVILLE — Jake Marden, of Marden’s Surplus and Salvage, handed Maine Children’s Home (MCH) a check of $100,000 on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, to be used for MCH’s Christmas Program. The large gift is a combination of $84,000 of donations from Marden’s customers through the company’s Red Stocking Program, and a $16,000 gift from the Marden family.

“To receive such a generous contribution during a year that has been especially tough for Maine families is beyond heartwarming,” said MCH Executive Director Rick Dorian, in a news release. “The longtime support from Marden’s has improved the efficiency and quality of our statewide winter essentials program over the past several years. This year’s donation will help support our goal of providing warm, winter gear to all the children who are recipients of this program.”

Marden’s Red Stocking Program has been collecting donations from customers to benefit MCH’s Christmas Program since 2006. The fundraising program asks Marden’s customers to donate to Christmas Program at checkout in Marden’s store. A red paper stocking is displayed in each store for every donation collected. This year, Marden’s customers and the Marden family raised $32,000 more than they did in 2021.

Christmas Program at MCH is the only one of its kind that provides brand new clothes, winter essentials, toys, books, and games to more than 1,100 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship, according to the release.

“This program that relies on the generosity of so many people — donors, volunteers, and community supporters — also connects families to additional resources as needed, such as mental health and parenting supports,” said MCH.

MCH sees its Christmas 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.

About Maine Children’s Home

Maine Children’s Home (MCH) is a 501(c)(3) organization that offers programs for building and strengthening families and their children, instilling hope for the future and a better quality of life. Founded in 1899, the Waterville-based organization has evolved with the changing needs of families and children, and supports more than 3,000 people each year through the following programs and services:

Family Adoption Program
Providing a lifetime of services for birth parents and adoptive families

Family Counseling Center
Guiding toward hope, healing, and wholeness

Journey Program
Supporting young parents on their path to self-worth and positive parenting

Connected Families Project
Offering powerful, accessible tools to help strengthen families

Christmas Program
Sharing joy and winter warmth with kids and families

More information about MCH’s programs and its history can be found at MaineChildrensHome.org.