Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 32

The Christmas Families’ Tradition Continues

BY EMMA DEANS

Every December, Thornton Academy students and staff spend time thinking about community members who are facing
financial difficulties and they take action to help make the holidays brighter for those families. Each class of Freshmen,
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors is provided with the ages of men, women, boys, and girls in southern Maine who need
assistance. Many items on their holiday wish lists include basic requests like jeans, boots, hats, mittens, and coats, along
with items that would bring joy to young children like books, games, and toys. Students shop for the presents and then take
part in a festive wrapping party at school before delivering all of the gifts to the Salvation Army.
Last year Thornton wrapped 400 gifts to support 14 families, in addition to two TA families and a dozen individual
students. The program is organized by Student Council Advisors Caryn Lasante and Mary Ann Martin. Class advisors help
facilitate the process, with support from Student Council. Mrs. Martin explained that most of these families need items that
many people take for granted. “There are some kids who ask for socks,” she said. “Our main concern is to get them through
the winter.” Below is a letter from one of the past recipients of this program, which has been held for over twenty years.

Dear Salvation Army,

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I just wanted to thank you and your local schools for
allowing me and my family to have a wonderful Christmas.
I had recently lost my job and was struggling to put food on
the table, let alone think about gifts under the tree. When I
finally decided to reach out for your assistance I had no idea
how blessed we’d be. To see the glowing smiles of my two
children on Christmas morning is something that I will never
forget. No child should go without on Christmas and because
of your willingness to support your local families, my 2
year-old daughter and 4 year-old son had something to smile
about. I know your donations come from area schools and I
hope you share my gratitude with them. They probably have
no idea how big a deal their contributions make to two little
children one day out of the year. Thank you from the bottom
of my heart, may you continue to be blessed each season.