How to Support the Community by Raising Generous Givers
Auburn Savings has been committed to the financial wellness of its community members since 1887. We want individuals of all ages to be knowledgeable and confident in their financial choices, including the act of giving. When we give back to our community, we all have a chance to thrive. We support parents and caregivers in raising the next generation of generous givers and encourage community members to lead by example and donate to organizations that may need a little help. Consider these five local organizations in your giving plan.
United Way
The United Way of Androscoggin County has been serving the local community since 1932 and recently expanded into Oxford County. United Way partners with local agencies, such as American Red Cross, the YMCA, Trinity Jubilee Center, and so many more to reach and support as many people as possible. United Way works to connect community volunteers with partner organizations to provide resources and day-to-day services that meet the needs of community members.
When you choose to donate to United Way, your generosity will help volunteers and resource partners develop methods and improve access to better incomes, health, and education.
You can donate directly on their website, by mail, or by visiting them at 66 Ash Street in Lewiston. For more information on the United Way, visit their website.
Safe Voices
Safe Voices was established in 1977 in response to the need for emergency housing for people in need of a safe place to escape from domestic violence. Safe Voices provides emergency shelter, support groups and one-on-one support, court advocacy, children’s services, transportation and more for those seeking a life free from further violence.
When you donate to Safe Voices, you’re directly impacting their ability to provide resources, education, and support to domestic violence survivors and their families.
They are currently accepting items from this list:
- Gift cards to Hannaford, Walmart and area gas stations in various amounts (most common values are $10-$50) Safe Voices staff are able to give these cards directly to survivors in order to help them meet immediate needs in their lives.
- Clothing
- Winter clothing/outerwear (all sizes)
- New socks, underwear, and bras (all sizes)
- Baby/Child items
- Baby monitors
- Diapers and wipes (all sizes)
- Household items
- Laundry soap
- Fabric softener
- Bleach
- Silverware, dishes, cups
- Towels
- Pillows
- Mattress and pillow covers
- Hygiene items
- Full size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash)
- Hair elastics and bobby pins
You can give a tax-deductible, unrestricted gift on the Safe Voices website here.
Lots to Gardens
Lots to Gardens is a founding program of the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center and was established in 1999. Lots to Gardens removes barriers and improves access to fresh, nutritious foods by transforming vacant neighborhood lots into thriving urban gardens.
Over 120 households in the community are learning to build self-reliance through the Community Gardener Program. This program gives individuals instructions and tools, weekly hands-on support, and monthly workshops to help them grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables. These gardens also provide a unique opportunity to build neighborhood pride and engagement.
When you donate to Lots to Gardens, your gift supports the St. Mary’s Healthcare System Foundation’s goal of tackling the root causes of hunger and food insecurity in the community. Every dollar stays in Androscoggin County and helps to provide comprehensive programs such as community gardens, youth engagement and leadership programs, the largest food pantry in Maine, and nutrition and cooking classes.
For 2022, Lots to Gardens is looking to build a new storage shed and covering for their gathering space at the community learning garden. Building materials and volunteer builders will be needed. Other ways to donate to Lots to Gardens include:
- Planned giving
- Retirement plan giving
- Gifts of securities
- Gifts of appreciated property
For a full list of ways to donate, visit Ways to Give, or to make a credit card donation online, fill out the form here.
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is a safe place for animals in need and a resource for community members and their animal companions. They believe in kind, compassionate, and humane treatment of all animals and work every day to provide the best care and services to animals in need.
Aside from housing and caring for dogs, cats, kittens, puppies and other domestic pets, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society offers pet wellness services, education and a pet food pantry for community members who may have difficulty caring for their pets.
There are many different ways to become involved with Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. You can volunteer, sponsor an animal, or donate. The organization also supports planned giving and remembrance gifts. They are also accepting the following donated items:
- Kitten + cat food, dry and canned
- Puppy + dog food, dry and canned
- Pet carriers
- Blankets, towels, wash cloths
- Puppy training pads
- Cat and dog toys (Kong toys preferred)
- Collars + leashes
- Pine Wood Pellets (to be used for cat litter)
For a detailed wish list and for more ways you can give to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, visit their website.
Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine has served the Greater Portland and Lewiston/Auburn communities for over 100 years. Their staff of youth development professionals are dedicated to making each club location a safe place for members to learn, grow, and have fun!
The Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to helping youth ages 5-18 with their academic success, leadership and social responsibility skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to support their physical and mental health. The Boys & Girls Club thrives with the help of business partnerships, monetary donations, and the generous work of volunteers. Projects that require volunteers include:
- Ongoing support such as homework tutors, instructors, and mentors
- Food service program, preparing snacks and meals for members
- One-time projects such as painting, landscaping, facilities improvements
- Participation on committees and leadership opportunities
- Donation drives for back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts
The following are some items on their holiday wish list:
- Basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and air pumps
- Arts & crafts supplies, jewelry making kits, art canvases
- Dress up costumes
- Gift Cards – Amazon, Wal-Mart, Subway, Chipotle
- Games – Connect4, Bananagrams, etc., video Games
- Legos
- “Real-life” baby dolls, Little Pet Shop dolls, Webkins
- Headphones (over the ears, not buds)
- Fingernail polish kits
- Axe Gift Packs (deodorant, body spray)
- Model kits, Science kits, Beyblades
- Locker décor – stickers/organizers
- Movie posters – anything Black Panther
- Nike elite socks
- Batteries – AA and AAA
- Basketball sneakers for teens (Men’s sizes 6-10, Ladies sizes 4-9)
Visit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine’s website for a detailed list of volunteer opportunities and to donate online.
When you choose to give back, you’re also teaching your children kindness, compassion, and generosity—all things that help to raise smart, independent savers, spenders, and givers. Whether you’re choosing to gift your time, money, or physical items to a person or organization in need, know that your contributions help make our communities stronger, healthier, and more successful.