LIVERMORE FALLS — The Livermore Falls Downtown Betterment Group awarded the 2013 Spirit of America award to the Spirit of the Season Committee on Tuesday during a selectmen’s meeting. The committee does good deeds for children in the area.

Betterment Group member Bob Berry said the committee is a group of volunteers who raise funds to purchase jackets and snow pants for RSU 73 students. It also hosts an annual Santa’s Workshop, where area youth may buy donated items for 25 cents each for Christmas gifts. In addition, it coordinates an early evening parade in December, which culminates in a visit from Santa, along with a photo opportunity with children who come to visit him.

In 2011, the Livermore Falls Downtown Betterment Group received the award. And in 2012, the group presented the award to the now late Dennis Stires.

Since 2008, the Spirit of the Season Committee has purchased 390 coats, bought 350 gifts for children from Santa and bought 396 candy canes, committee member Barbara Cook said. There have also been 84 parade participants, she said.

They have received 448 boxes from Jarden Plastic Solutions in Wilton to put the coats in, she said.

Mavis Lane of North Jay and her son’s mother-in-law have knitted and crocheted 400 sets of mittens and hats to go with the coats.

The First Baptist Church in Livermore Falls has also contributed by donating certificates for boots for children, member Jackie Knight said. The church representatives now work through the schools.

People have donated money and items for children to buy for their families’ during Santa’s Workshop, she said. The Downtown Betterment Group wrapped the gifts.

High school students volunteered as elves and helped the children shop, member Carmen Cullen said.

On request in the past, snow pants have been purchased for children, Cook said.

Selectmen Chairman Bill Demaray thanked the committee for its work in the community. They received a round of applause.

Besides Cook, Knight and Cullen, other members on the committee are Lynn Williams, Megan Heath, Janet Heath, Donna Breault and Rachel LaBrecque.

[email protected]