CARIBOU and PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Parish of the Precious Blood, serving Caribou, Presque Isle and surrounding areas, has long been known for its generosity, service and care for the wider community, and this holiday season the parish isn’t letting the COVID-19 pandemic stand in its way.
Last year, the parish held a successful Christmas basket project to help provide for individuals and families during the holiday season, and its popular “Giving Tree” program brought toys and smiles to hundreds of kids in the area. But this year, due to the pandemic, alterations were necessary.
“Due to COVID-19, we are unable to accept food for our baskets this year as well as toys for our children,” said Fr. David Raymond, pastor of the Parish of the Precious Blood. “We have told our parishioners that we are still making sure they can give to both.”
The parish will collect for Christmas baskets through gift cards instead of actual food items. Those who can donate are invited to visit the parish website (www.theppb.org) and click on the “Christmas Baskets” tab, where they can donate to the program. A donation form is also available at https://theppbholyrosary.weshareonline.org/index.aspx.
Alternatively, interested parties can mail a check to “H.O.P.E. Christmas Baskets” at P.O. Box 625, Caribou, ME 04736.
Helping Our People Eagerly, or H.O.P.E. for short, is a parish ministry that oversees the basket program and assists individuals and families with short-term financial difficulties arising from situations like the loss of a job, a medical condition, divorce, or other unfortunate event.
“H.O.P.E. works collaboratively with social service agencies in the County to actively share in Christ’s love for God’s people,” Raymond said. “It is an attempt on the part of the parish to respond to the poor, both economically and those facing hurt, pain and loneliness.”
“There is a wonderful collaboration among the different assistance agencies in the County,” said Martha Frank, business coordinator for the parish. “The goal is to make sure nobody gets left behind, and nobody falls through the cracks.”
Similarly, the parish is working with Toys for Tots to give an opportunity for people to purchase toys for area children in need at Christmas. Donors can send a check marked “Toys for Tots” to the Caribou Fire Department, 121 High Street, Caribou, ME 04736; bring a toy to the Presque Isle City Hall at 12 Second St.; or visit https://aroostook-me.toysfortots.org.
Requests to receive gifts from Toys for Tots must be submitted by Tuesday, Dec. 15, at noon. To make a request, visit https://aroostook-me.toysfortots.org or email Aroostook.me@toysfortots.org. Residents within the parish’s area are welcome to apply. Participating churches are Holy Rosary Church, Caribou; Nativity of the Blessed Mary Church, Presque Isle; Our Lady of the Lake Church, Portage; Sacred Heart Church, Caribou; St. Catherine Church, Washburn; St. Denis Church, Fort Fairfield; St. Joseph Church, Mars Hill; St. Louis Church, Limestone; St. Mark Church, Ashland; and St. Theresa Church, Stockholm.
In 2019, over 5,100 toys were distributed to over 2,400 children in the area.
“This Advent will not be the same experience as last Advent. However, no matter what happens, Jesus Christ is there to welcome us to the unexpected. He will celebrate with us in joy and he will even feel our pain,” Raymond said.
“Rather than be surprised by the unexpected, maybe we should expect the unexpected. Living in this manner causes us to cherish more deeply the gifts we have been given. It helps us to live in the present and become mindful of those around us.”
For more information about ways in which you can help H.O.P.E., contact the parish at 207-498-2536.
