Share with us what Maine Needs means to you.

Connecting with Maine Needs was by far THE highlight of 2020! Being able to offer families UNIVERSAL assistance on basic needs, encompassing everything from household products to clothing and other gear, is a rarity in the non profit world. What a joy and stress reliever it has been for Head Start staff to not have to determine who had to take priority for assistance, thus allowing for equitable distribution and opportunity for everyone to get a hand up. This partnership is also allowing us to support the classrooms with extra items that are always in demand, such as underwear, socks, outdoor gear etc. We have had parents cry with gratitude and relief upon receiving bags of cleaning supplies!

From the moment I met with Angela her "can do" attitude was infectious! Every single volunteer that has delivered has done so with such joy and warmth. I am continuously amazed by the generosity and spirit of donations from fellow Mainers just eager to help their neighbors.

Judy Martin, Midcoast Maine Community Action Head Start And Early Head Start

I cannot begin to express our gratitude to you all for not only what you are doing for the children and families in our programs, but also the families in need in Maine. Truly, to be a volunteer-led organization doing this type of community organizing and mobilizing is awe-inspiring. If you ever need any letter of support, commitment, testimony- ask us! We will give you whatever you need!

Hailey Virusso, Homeless Youth Service Director, The Opportunity Alliance

Such a Blessing to request certain things and have this amazing location and host of volunteers to work tirelessly to search and find everything on your wish list!

Families have no idea what a gift this is to the community to have a place case managers can go, feel supported, and to walk away with everything a family needs to take care of their children. It’s so Amazing!! Thank you doesn’t even say enough.

Dorie Webb Spiller, Woodfords Family Services

I can't begin to describe how many families I work with are warmer, happier, healthier, less stressed, and beyond grateful. The outpouring of kindness and generosity, especially now, has truly changed my concern in wondering where all the "good folk" went. This group has changed more than the lives we think need it most. I know my children and I are better folks for being involved with a program that provides hope for everyone Could not be more proud of this community support

Jill Irish, Children's Care Coordinator with The Opportunity Alliance

Maine Needs brings tears of gratitude to my eyes! They are making a huge impact by anticipating clients' needs and supplying beautiful clothing, toys and other items that my staff is excited to offer families. All of the donations are high quality and thoughtfully packaged and show clients they are valued. Maine Needs is an incredible blessing!

Jennifer Quimby, York County WIC director, York County Community Action Corporation

I reached out to Maine Needs as one of my clients shared with me that Santa didn’t come this year and that she and her siblings were in need of warm clothes. Days later Maine Needs had prepared two huge bags filled with all of the winter gear they needed, literacy and art kits for each child, and a TON of toys. I was so overwhelmed but literally started to cry when I saw the self care kit for her momma tucked in to the bag. I am so used to spending hours trying to track down age appropriate and nice/clean items for my clients so I was blown away how easy you made it!

Hannah Shifflett- Kohler, Spurwink Services ShifaME

Most recently, Maine Needs helped me outfit 3 kids in a family with winter gear! In the past I was able to use the MN community to gather Christmas items for a last minute request. Grateful for this wonderful group of people that are a part of Maine needs!!

Dannah Johnson, MMP Westbrook Primary Care

Most of the families that I work with are asylum seekers who depend on our community providers for resources while awaiting their work authorizations which now can take up to 1 year! These families have been so very grateful to programs like Maine Needs who have provided winter clothing for themselves and their children , educational toys ,books and art supplies for their children, essential household cleaning /laundry supplies the list goes on! I am continually amazed with the ever evolving vision that Angela has made a reality and the community involvement that she has fostered! And so very grateful to all the donors and volunteers! Families are truly grateful!!!

Theresa Lee, Opportunity Alliance as an Early Head Family Visitor

We have been answering specific requests and needs, often for items that families have not been able to acquire elsewhere.

Maine Needs has provided a wonderful professional platform to help expedite and provide. Purposeful donation collection and distribution have made a huge difference in so many lives.

While we have not needed kits, we can see the wonderful effect that they are having. We are very grateful to Maine Needs and its members for answering our calls to action with such items as a 5XL Tall winter jacket, warm teen clothing, infant baby carrier and clothing, kitchenware for cooks providing meals to help alleviate food insecurity, a refurbished computer for a homeschooling mom in need.

In this coming together we have been warmed and strengthened by this thoughtful dedicated group.

Tabby Crab, Managing director at Sanctuary at Maple Hill Farms

Maine Needs is the real deal and has changed my ability to access resources for clients. Through regular people in Maine who want to help our community and never knew how are now feeling empowered to directly help those in need of clothing, diapers, furniture, art supplies, baby gear, food, fans, winter gear and other items.

I haven’t seen one challenge or problem this group hasn’t helped me solve. If you’re one of these people afraid to ask your community for help, don’t be! People want to contribute and it makes them feel like they’re paying it forward! Stop stressing about how to help your clients! Lean on this group for support!

Dani Laliberte, The Opportunity Alliance Maine Families

I have gotten many families packages of items they needed. From kids art, toys, winter clothing, and even items to support Moms! I have recently requested items to support a homeless family who also are fostering their nieces. Awesome when community members come together to support.

Amanda Brown, Children's Care Coordinator with The Opportunity Alliance

Oh my goodness. You're kindness, generosity, and altruistism doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you. Thank you!

Elisa Sousa, Crisis and Counseling Skowhegan

OMG!!!!!!!

I'm about to cry with joy.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

*response to a big snow pant and boot delivery just before holiday break

Kelly Berry, Saccarappa Elementary

What a wonderful wonderful project and surprise this was! I can’t tell you how many people this will bring a smile to! Thank you so much for all the work you do and being willing to share this amazing work with us in the County. Much appreciated!

*response to receiving a van load of sorted donations and kits.

Heidi Rackliffe, Hope & Prosperity Center Director, Aroostook County.

What a blessing this program was for our families. One family explained through tears that due to medical issues with one of her children, she had not been able to get the Christmas shopping done that she had planned. Having some games, books and craft bags available took a burden off her plate. She was so thankful and grateful that this resource was made available. Thank you for this generous resource.

Joleen Spencer, Family Services Coordinator KVCAP Kennebec Valley Community Action Program

I’m so incredibly grateful for Maine Needs and the support they are offering folks all over Maine. My program works in a rural area, which often means driving up to an hour each way to go to stores that may or may not have the items people need. If we find them, it often feels like I am taking a finite resource that someone else may need even more and I worry about when there might be enough again. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement at the amazing work Maine Needs is doing and the impact you’ve already made.

With one stop, students at our school now have so many things that we would have spent many many hours trying to find, perhaps without success. I used to wash snow pants and mittens from our school closet in between different grades’ recesses almost every day so that as many students as possible might get a chance to use them for at least one recess a day. Thanks to Maine Needs we now have a pair of snow pants in the correct size and a warm pair of gloves for every student in our school that can keep them warm at school and at home for the rest of the winter.

We also have enough cleaning supplies to provide a safer environment for students at school and at home during the pandemic, tons of new books to refresh our library with, and beautiful art supply kits that have enough materials for students to take some home and finally have enough at school. Before winter break, kindergarten students had used up their colored pencils and I was splitting up boxes so they every student might have 1 or 2 to use and trying to sanitize pencils on the fly so students could trade colors. Now everyone has their own brand new set and the excitement students felt when we passed out the art kits isn’t something I will forget anytime soon. Thank you a thousand times Maine Needs. You’ve made such a difference for us.

Meg Charest, Americorps TREE (Trauma Responsive, Equitable Education) Washington County

MAINE NEEDS has filled so many holes in my work with asylum seekers—from coats, boots, kitchen goods and more. The amazing work of this organization has been the answer without questions—a “go to” place for me when I am desperate to help someone and need it fast. Thank you so much for what you do.

Rosemarie De Angelis, Color Of Community

I just wanted to let you know that my families were "overwhelmed" with joy in receiving toys, clothes and personal care essentials during such difficult times. Some families that I work with have had a reduction of income due to covid and have had difficulty paying their expenses for rent, heat, child care, gas etc. They were touched by receiving toys at a time they could not afford at xmas time. Families commented how grateful they were to receive personal care essentials so they could free up $ to pay toward an outstanding bill. It was heart warming to watch families receive their gifts during such difficult times. Thank you so much!

The below thank you message will be delivered to you separately from a parent I work with. Just passing it on.

"I am sincerely appreciative for the donation I received from Maine Needs.
My donation was filled with so many necessities that greatly impacted my household in an amazing way.
Thank you for your generosity. The Collins Family".

Sharon Lessard, Family Services Coordinator KVCAP Kennebec Valley Community Action Program

In a time when resources are few and far between being able to pass clothes on to families has given them not only some financial relief but also some stress relief knowing that their child has some nice warm clothes to wear and they can comfortably go outside to play at school and at home.

The household products have been a tremendous help for families since local resources aren't available for these any longer and SNAP Benefits can not be used for them.

Pat Maguire, Midcoast Maine Community Action Head Start

Maine Needs is amazing, above and beyond! They have helped us provide warming kits to the homeless right down to kitchen items and bedding for newly housed clients!! I am so grateful for Maine Needs!! A great community partner! Thank you!

Courtney Bass, Milestone Recovery CDAC mobile outreach Home Team


Working with Maine Needs has been one of the highlights of my job at TOA. The amount of times I've walked out with a full car of winter gear, toys, art kits, and so much more for my families has been overwhelming--it brings me to tears! There is so much love and intentionality in this organization and community. Not only do they provide material items, this group has made it so easy for case managers/caseworkers like myself to get connected with community resources.

Maine Needs--thank you for providing literal and figurative warmth to our Maine communities. I honestly don't know what we'd do without your love and support!

Jackie Huynh, Homeless Youth Services Case Manager

Maine Needs have provided us with so many important and needed items for families. Everyone has been so nice to interact with and willing to support so many people in the state. Families in our programs have received so much, including winter clothing, diapers, toys, books, clothing, cleaning supplies.

Miriam Jacobs, Family Engagement Manager KVCAP, Kennebec County

I am so thankful for Maine Needs because they are literally helping me to save lives by keeping people warm and dry when the elements are frightful. Whether it’s sleeping bags or tents, snow pants or hand warmers gloves and thermals these items are needed everyday especially now when options are few and far.... the Volunteers are amazing and so helpful when I come looking for a pair of boots or jackets or the elusive size 32 men’s pants. I am truly thankful that you arrived on the scene during this tumultuous year.

Michele Arcand, Preble Street Outreach

Angela and the Maine Needs team have the BEST energy! As soon as you walk into the door, you are not only welcomed, but you are looking directly at a chalkboard list FULL of organization names as well as a total number of donations that have reached the community. Maine Needs focuses on what the people need. From clothing to handwarmers, chapstick to underwear, lotion and beyond. I picked up a car FULL of kitchen kits, warming kits, and cleaning kits, and was overwhelmed with the generosity of this team. I was warmly invited back, whenever Tedford Housing had someone moving out or just needed some help fulfilling a need. Thank you to the entire Maine Needs team!

Blaine Flanders, Tedford Housing, Brunswick

While WIC is a program dedicated to providing healthy foods for families, it also serves as a source of community and support. When we are able to provide extra to our families, it creates such a strong bond and trust. Angela and her team of volunteers created beautiful "baby gift bags" that we were able to give to clients just before the holiday season. I cannot describe the look on our families faces when we are able to provide these kits- it is genuine love and thankfulness. MaineNeeds volunteers also delivered boxes of snowsuits, boots, and jackets- which will help parents and children stay warm this winter. 2020 has presented its many challenges- and MaineNeeds has been a light at the end of a very long tunnel. WIC is so thankful for all you have done to make parenting during a pandemic just a little bit easier. Thank you!

Sarah Despres, WIC Portland Dietician

A teacher in our school forwarded information about Maine Needs to me. I reached out due to our school being in a high poverty area and immediately received a response. Within a very short time, they were planning delivery of brand new ski pants, gloves, books, and art supplies. The winter items were so needed for many of our students! Ski pants and gloves allowed students to play in the snow rather than stay of the plowed areas of our school. The books and art supplies couldn't have come at a better time as we had a devastating flood in our second grade classrooms that ruined many of these items. We are so thankful for the Maine Needs program and their rapid response to our needs!

Crystal Greaves, School Nurse MSAD 46, Dexter Maine

I cannot think of words that would express the joy and relief that my clients expressed when I made the deliveries of toys, clothing and warm outerwear to them. The most moving, was a mom who literally burst into tears when the last thing I gave her was a cleaning kit. She said she had just shared with a family member that if they wanted to give her anything for Christmas, she could use cleaning supplies! It is easy to forget or take for granted the impact of not having basic supplies and having to make the decision of buying food or laundry detergent. Thank you so much for this amazing service you provide and please know that it is greatly appreciated and making a big difference in the lives of our neighbors!

Julie Mitchell, Midcoast Maine Community Action Head Start

My team was fortunate enough to learn about Maine Needs headed into the difficult 2020 holiday season. Not only were we able to provide gifts for 15+ families that had nothing for Christmas, we were able to provide warm clothes for children and adults, wardrobe kits for families with small children, art kits for adults stuck at home struggling with mental health, cleaning kits for people in newly found housing and travel friendly kits for people with no consistent housing to stay safe. We have continued to be immensely impressed with the scope, efficiency and generosity of Maine Needs ever since. Communication is quick and easy, response time to both requests and questions has been about 24 hours- 24 hours! This is, to my knowledge, the only no barrier assistance program in Maine for non-food items (and not just what are considered non food essentials). We never hesitate to reach out to Angela and her team. And if Maine Needs doesn't have it, the Better Together regional groups probably do. 2020 has been a dire year for assistance programs but we've been able to find help we never though we could for loads of people because of what Maine Needs can do. Happy to have found you and happy to know about this incredible resource. Thank you for all you do for our communities.

Bekah McIntyre, BHH/ACIS Clinical Supervisor, Sweetser

Each time a family (with children at my school) moves from the homeless shelter to an apartment, Maine Needs has responded with greatly needed items for families who have nothing. It's such a helpful, practical "starter kit" that also has TLC items for Mom and children. And for me, the fact that it's organized, packed up and ready to be picked up, this is important time-saving support. It permits me to support families with concrete needs and give most of my time for the emotional support children need. This is such a valuable service in our community, especially now with the pandemic, it helps to make it safer and easier for all. Thank you Maine Needs!

Catherine Haas, School Social Worker, Portland Public Schools

I am so grateful to Maine Needs and the community who donates to them. They have provided essential clothes, shoes, and gear (along with some special loving touches likes games and stuffed animals) on numerous occasions. Today is just another example. We reached out for snow pants, winter gloves, and blankets and Maine Needs found them and packaged them nicely so we could get them into the hands of students and families. You act as a lifeline when so many other resources are running dry. Thank you for consistently going above and beyond!

Sarah Beam, School Social Worker, Talbot Elementary School

Serving new Mainers, most of our clients are unemployed due to laws that prevent asylum seekers from working in their first year. Maine Needs is helping these vulnerable folks, from newborn to adults get access to winter clothes, bedding, cleaning kits, and more. Receive our gratitude.

Christian Bisimwa, Community Health Worker, Maine Access Immigrant Network

I am the Homeless Resource Coordinator here in Lewiston Maine.

I work with several homeless and at risk students and families. I don't even know how to begin to say thank you to Angela and her wonderful team. They have been so helpful gathering items that we are in need of in Lewiston for our students and families.

We are truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful program. I am hopeful that we will be able to eventually have Maine Needs move a branch of this incredible program here to Lewiston.

Thank you for always being here to help many members in many communities.

Katie Krantz, Homeless Resource Coordinator, Lewiston Public Schools

It’s quite difficult to capture the altruism that permeates every square inch of 332 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine. A short testimonial won’t justify the extent of which the acts of strangers bestowed and restored hope within our families throughout Somerset, Franklin, and Kennebec counties during a pandemic and on the cusp of preparations for the holiday season.

The Holiday season is stressful for many, but for the families we serve who are struggling to provide basic necessities for their children, making sure their children do not go without during the holidays can often be paralyzing and a source of shame. Their holiday lists inevitably include items like underwear, socks, hats, mittens, ski pants, winter jackets, boots, and sneakers. The adults are hard pressed to think of any items for themselves, because the common thread that runs between each family is that they are people who are living in poverty; desperately trying to buffer their children from the harsh reality that has become their daily struggle to survive.

When I first reached out to Maine Needs I prioritized a list trying to narrow down what the exact needs were and not asking too much so I could share the resource with as many families as possible. Maine Needs response was, “what else do you need?” I was a bit taken back by the response. As a case manager, I get this unique perspective of poverty and get to witness firsthand the oppression; their struggle becomes my struggle.  We partner together to bushwhack the red tape bureaucracy that requires many of them to continually prove they are needy enough to qualify for government benefits. Maine Needs asked, “What do you need? What else do you need?” This response is a stark contrast to the questions that fill the silent room at a local government office. When you are trying to survive each moment of every day you feel an indescribable relief when you don’t need to prove your value through a form. 

I am sure most of you have heard the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." That couldn't be truer than the snapshots that my team and I captured of our adventure some 215 + miles from our satellite office in Somerset County, Maine. On Thursday, December 3rd, we arrived to see open doors, despite being a windy 41-degree day, which speaks to the hearty independent culture that is common amongst most Mainers. The volunteers were loading the back of a pickup truck that was filled with items going to the Mid-Coast area. When I crossed the threshold I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was like a kid in a candy store. My emotions caught in my throat and I swallowed hard. There were stacks and stacks of cleaning kits, rows upon rows of winter gear, and children’s activities and art kits covering every nook and cranny of the high walls. In my 20 year career I have never seen such generosity; the selfless acts of strangers that lined each room and the bustling volunteers that operated like a well-oiled machine. 

We, as case managers, exist within a parallel place, a place where a family’s struggle becomes our daily work as we tirelessly attempt to negate the adverse effects of poverty. Resources are scarce and I vividly remember looking over at my co-worker and she said with a relieving exhale, “This is AMAZING. This will bring so much relief to our families.” When you're a small town case manager and you drive to a city that's populated with more people than your entire county words can't express how meaningful it is to be a part of something much greater than ourselves. To each of you that make Maine Needs possible, we wanted to let you know how much your work meant to hundreds of children and families across Somerset, Franklin, and Kennebec Counties. For being the unsolicited resource mecca we tip our hats. We thank you. For not only giving these tangible items to our families, but for giving them HOPE.

Elisa Sousa, Manager of Community Case Management Program Crisis & Counseling Centers