Editor’s note: Every day there are rays of light that shine into the lives of people through their neighbors, their co-workers, their families and even through complete strangers. This column is devoted to exposing these sunbeams to the light and offering readers an opportunity to share good news. We plan to occasionally offer up our own sunbeams, too.
Outstanding students

It is always a pleasure to write something positive about a group of students who make a difference in our community.

For yet another year, the St. Dom’s Key Club has chosen as one of their projects the filling and delivery of Thanksgiving baskets to 20 of our homebound clients. In addition to food of all sorts, each basket contained a Shaw’s gift certificate that really comes in handy for people on a fixed income. Many of the recipients have called our office to express thanks for the food and also for the friendly visits from the students.

The SEARCH program (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) offers a heartfelt thank you to the St. Dom’s Key Club. Hats off for a job well done.

Larry Lachance, advisory committee chair, Catholic Charities Maine, SEARCH program, Lewiston

Helping hand

On July 10, a terrible tragedy happened in our family. Family and friends joined together to put on a benefit for Brandon Gotto and Ericka Kubic. The response to the benefit was overwhelming.

We always hear the negative things that happen in our area, but very seldom hear the good. This community is one of the most caring, supportive and generous communities there is. Everybody gets involved and is right there, willing to help whenever anyone needs them. They don’t say, “here we go again, another hand out,” or “sorry, I just gave for someone else.” Instead, they continue to give, over and over again. They do not hesitate for a moment to do anything and everything they can to make such a difficult time easier by helping out.

Once again, the area merchants came together and showed their overwhelming support with their willingness to give many wonderful donations.

With Christmas right around the corner, we hope area residents will show support to the area businesses, to let them know how much this community appreciates them for always being there for us when we need them.

Scot Grassette, Rumford, for the families of Brandon Gotto and Ericka Kubic

Christmas party

The 12th Auburn Community Blue Christmas, a children’s Christmas party for local families – was held recently.

We wanted to thank all the wonderful volunteers who gave up their day during such a busy time. We really could not do the event without the hard work of volunteers and community support.

This year’s event hosted approximately 250 children for games, lunch, clothing and, of course, a visit from Santa.

Tom Poulin, president, Auburn

Don Lawlor, vice president, Poland



The Sun Journal encourages its readers to offer their own sunbeams in writing. Please limit letters to 200 words. Letters must be signed and must include the author’s full name, address and telephone number, for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters may be edited.

Address letters to: Letters to the Editor, Sunbeams, Sun Journal, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Fax: 207-777-3436. E-mail: letters@sunjournal.com, and note that the letter is for Sunbeams. For more information, call David Farmer, editorial page editor, at 800-482-0759, ext. 2340.

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