HOULTON, Maine — Though the time of year is currently Halloween season, it is not too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts.
The United Bikers of Maine recently unveiled a “Toys for Tots” donation box at Andy’s IGA in Houlton, where people can drop off new toys which will later be donated to children in need of them. The box was unveiled at the store on Thursday, Sept. 30.
Lori Spaulding, the assistant county director for United Bikers of Maine’s Aroostook Division, said she hoped that the toy drive could help bring awareness of the charitable activities the organization performs. United Bikers of Maine was founded in 1975, but its Aroostook Division had been inactive until Spaulding and her husband, Ernie assumed assistant director and director respectively last January.
“What we’re going to do is we’ll keep taking [the toys] and keep storing them,” said Spaulding. “I already have a garage full of toys and bicycles. But of course we need much, much more.”
Shelly Crandall, another area representative for the United Bikers, was also present to unveil the toy box.
“We’re doing the toy drive for local families, and we’re going to stay in the area,” said Crandall. “Which is unlike a lot of other places that you donate stuff to and you don’t know where it’s going.”
In addition to the toy drive, United Bikers of Maine will also be fundraising for Houlton Humane Society on Oct. 9 with a ridealong and barbecue.
