FARMINGTON – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Homemakers of Franklin County have ended their 2007 programming year and are busy with activities for 2008.

Throughout the year, the 10 Homemaker groups made gingerbread ornaments, used to decorate a tree that was auctioned as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Farmington during the annual fundraising Christmas tree event.

A family in need was identified and the groups provided gifts to help celebrate the holidays. Clothing, toys and other gifts were brought and wrapped and presented to the family during the holiday season.

They are only two of the many projects and activities that the Homemakers worked with during 2007. In completing the summary of activities that are reported to the university, it has been calculated that the homemakers provided more than 2,500 hours of volunteer service to the community and items with a value of more than $2,000. They also donated more than $1,500 in cash to local charities and groups in need.

The Maine Extension Homemaker Council will hold its state spring meeting on Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, in Augusta. The Franklin County Homemakers will hold the annual spring meeting on Thursday, May 1, in Chesterville.

The Homemakers are sponsored through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and have groups meeting in towns throughout Franklin County. To find out more about a local group, call the Franklin County Office of Cooperative Extension at 778-4560 or 1-800-287-1478.

Those with a disability who need accommodations to participate in the program should call 778-4650 or 1-800-287-1478 at least 10 days prior to the event.