OXFORD – The Oxford Hills Christmas for Teens and Christmas for Kids programs are gearing up for another season of gift giving.

The two programs give gifts to kids in low-income families in the Oxford Hills towns of Paris, Norway, Harrison, Hebron, Oxford, Otisfield, Waterford and West Paris.

The kids program provides gifts for children up to age 12; the Christmas for Teens program picks up where it leaves off, giving to those aged 13 to 18.

“There are a number of families in the community who are not able to have Christmas …,” said Connie Allen, who works with the programs. “Unfortunately there have been an increased number of participants, as things have been rough for a lot of folks.”

They spend about $50 per child or teen, said Jean Delamater, co-chair of the program, which is funded through donations and fundraisers.

To participate, kids must meet three criteria, Delamater said: live in the Oxford Hills towns, be a full-time student if school-aged, and have a financial need.

Program applications for both programs are available at Community Concepts in South Paris. Applications for the teen program are also available at the high school guidance counselors’ office. They are due Dec. 15.

Both programs work under Right Start.

On the applications, kids write their wish lists. Commonly requested items are clothing, personal care items, music, books and gift certificates, Delamater said.

And $50 per kid doesn’t go very far. “We have to get real creative,” Delamater said.

Delamater said last year 177 kids participated in the teen program, meaning they spent $8,850 on gifts. The number of kids they help has continually increased through the years.

Currently, they are preparing for their biggest fundraiser, a Christmas concert. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School auditorium.

Students of all ages and community members form a chorus of about 50, said Cynthia Wescott, a high school music teacher who coordinates the event. She said she is also inviting other groups to come. Currently, Wescott said she is looking for people to join the chorus.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in November. The price has not been determined, Wescott said.

Delamater said it is the only Christmas concert in Oxford Hills.

“It’s a sellout,” Delamater said. “People have to get tickets early. It’s a wonderful start to the holiday season.”

For more information or to make a donation, contact Jean Delamater at 539-4587 or [email protected].