HARRISON — Papa’s Boots is a mission from the Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church. The mission was formed in the memory of Bruno Leino. Leino was one of 14 children of Finnish immigrants, a WWII veteran, husband of 61 years and father of five who always said at Christmas as he gazed at all the presents under the Christmas tree, “Look at all these gifts and there are children without winter boots.”

At the time of his passing, his grandchildren vowed to keep a promise to donate warm winter boots for children in need. Since its inception in 2011, Papa’s Boots has donated hundreds of boots to local children in the local elementary schools; preschool children; at the John F. Murphy Homes Margaret Murphy Center for Children; Safe Voices; and other agencies servicing children.

The Papa’s Boots committee holds many fundraisers throughout the year and receives monetary donations from many people in support of this cause. They have not had to turn away any requests and all requests come through the local agencies or schools and are anonymous.

For more information or to make monetary donations, contact Sharon at 207-743-7002, email Anna-Jean at aaturnleft3@gmail.com or to send a check to support Papa’s Boots, mail to: BMUMC (Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church) P.O. Box 859, Harrison, ME 04040, with Papa’s Boots in the memo section.

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