In an effort to help children and families in need, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and Corpus Christi Parish will host Jolly Gifts, an initiative that aims to warm hearts and offer support to community members as they prepare for Christmas.

All are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to the Jolly Gifts displays.

The gifts will be distributed to children up through early teens. Popular items include board games, arts and crafts kits, model cars, sports items, and dolls. Cash donations also are accepted.

Donations will be accepted from Saturday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 11.

Collection bins can be found at:
• Sacred Heart Church, 8 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn;
• St. Philip Church, 2365 Turner Road in Auburn;
• Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Church, 116 Silver St. in Waterville; and
• St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St. in Winslow.

All families who receive the gifts live locally. Organizers suggest a gift of around $10 or less, and there is always a particular need for older youth, ages 12 and older.

Participants also can drop off donations during business hours at the offices of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 24 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 8:30 and noon Thursday.

Donations can also be brought to the offices of Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garand St. in Winslow, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday.

For more information, call 207-956-1457.

Check out other upcoming area events!