Group gives to foster children
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Members of a local organization decided it was better to give than to receive gifts this Christmas, so the group turned its annual gathering into a collection to benefit area children in foster care.
Photos courtesy of Barbara Perkins
IN LIEU OF GIFTS, members of the Order of the Eastern Star presented gifts to employees of the Department of Human Services for Christmas distribution to local foster children. Pictured from left are: Gloria Knox of Caribou; Brenda and Calvin Hall of Presque Isle; Vicki Delong, employee of DHS; Barbara and Leighton Perkins, Presque Isle; Ann Stephenson, employee of DHS; Heather Clark, Ashland; and Jan Stairs, of Monticello.
Steve Eyler, director of Homeless Services 
of Aroostook in Presque Isle, was a guest speaker for Lunar Chapter 126 Order of the Eastern Star’s December meeting. Eyler gave an explanation of the shelter’s position and needs. Following his presentation Barbara Perkins, Worthy Matron of the Chapter, presented Eyler with a monetary gift to benefit the Shelter.
“The Order of the Eastern Star, Lunar Chapter 126 of Presque Isle, recently held its Christmas party and instead of purchasing gifts for each other, members provided gifts to benefit the foster children of the surrounding areas,” said Worthy Matron Barbara Perkins.
Perkins said employees of the Department of Human Services were in attendance as well.
“They shared in the Christmas supper and then accepted the children’s gifts on behalf of their department,” she said.
At least one family in need of help with an electrical bill/service also benefited from the group’s generosity.
“We also sent a monetary gift to Maine Public to aid a local disadvantaged family,” said Perkins.
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world for both men and women. The organization supports a multitude of charities both internationally and locally.
