CLOSED December 23rd - January 3rd
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SACO — Got a few hours to spare during the week and want to help the community? A local clothing distribution program could use a helping hand.
Open Hands, Open Hearts was established in 2008 by Elaine Fournier with the mission to provide free clothes for needy children in York County.
Fournier, a local school bus driver, started a clothing shelf in the Saco Food Pantry, but soon found the need was more than a shelf could handle. She launched Open Hands, Open Hearts in a construction trailer on the Saco Food Pantry grounds at 67 Ocean Park Road in Saco, and later, with help from local Rotary clubs and community partners, a permanent space for the clothing distribution center was constructed at the same location, with a basement for storage.
“I’ve seen kids come in here without shoes, and they leave with a new pair of shoes and they’re so happy. Those are the things that makes it worthwhile,” said Fournier.
Since it’s inception, the mission hasn’t changed, and the need for clothing hasn’t subsided. In the past six months, Open Hands, Open Hearts has given away 1,045 shirts, 344 pairs of jeans, 77 sets of pajamas and 259 dresses along with other items likes shoes, socks, underwear and books.
One day, a girl in need of a winter coat came in with a parent, and volunteers couldn’t find one in her size. As Fournier was assisting the girl, searching through all the available coats, someone came in and dropped off the perfect coat in the girl’s size.
“That was a sign it was meant to be,” said Fournier.
Open Hands, Open Hearts has been able to serve the community thanks to donations and volunteers. Fournier said she has three loyal volunteers who have been with her since Open Hands, Open Hearts’ inception, but there are two others who recently had to quit due to health issues.
Fournier is looking for two volunteers who are available a few mornings a week to help register patrons and sort through and hang donations. Those interested can call 207-730-1594.
Open Hands, Open Hearts distributes clothing to York County children from newborn through high school. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month at 67 Ocean Park Road.
Open Hands, Open Hearts was established in 2008 by Elaine Fournier with the mission to provide free clothes for needy children in York County.
Fournier, a local school bus driver, started a clothing shelf in the Saco Food Pantry, but soon found the need was more than a shelf could handle. She launched Open Hands, Open Hearts in a construction trailer on the Saco Food Pantry grounds at 67 Ocean Park Road in Saco, and later, with help from local Rotary clubs and community partners, a permanent space for the clothing distribution center was constructed at the same location, with a basement for storage.
“I’ve seen kids come in here without shoes, and they leave with a new pair of shoes and they’re so happy. Those are the things that makes it worthwhile,” said Fournier.
Since it’s inception, the mission hasn’t changed, and the need for clothing hasn’t subsided. In the past six months, Open Hands, Open Hearts has given away 1,045 shirts, 344 pairs of jeans, 77 sets of pajamas and 259 dresses along with other items likes shoes, socks, underwear and books.
One day, a girl in need of a winter coat came in with a parent, and volunteers couldn’t find one in her size. As Fournier was assisting the girl, searching through all the available coats, someone came in and dropped off the perfect coat in the girl’s size.
“That was a sign it was meant to be,” said Fournier.
Open Hands, Open Hearts has been able to serve the community thanks to donations and volunteers. Fournier said she has three loyal volunteers who have been with her since Open Hands, Open Hearts’ inception, but there are two others who recently had to quit due to health issues.
Fournier is looking for two volunteers who are available a few mornings a week to help register patrons and sort through and hang donations. Those interested can call 207-730-1594.
Open Hands, Open Hearts distributes clothing to York County children from newborn through high school. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month at 67 Ocean Park Road.
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Some people may call this a DONATION I call it a DUMPING. Would you drop all this off at the door of Good Will after they have closed? My email and phone number is available to make arrangements after hours. Any donations left outside will be discarded. We can not take the chance of contamination by stray animals. PLEASE be considerate and do not leave items outside.
Back to school shoe giveaway
Our annual Back to School Shoe Giveaway is upon us. If you child needs a pair of shoes, stop by during our store hours to find a pair that works best. We are always collecting shoes throughout the year to give out to children in need, so if you have a new pair you'd like to donate to us, please stop by as well.
Message from ElaineOpen Hands, Open Heart would like to thank all the people who have donated items with the intent of helping families in our local communities. Because of your donations, we have been very successful.
I do want to ask for your help again regarding donations. Because of liability, we are no longer able to except any baby furniture such as high chairs, strollers, anything a baby sits in. The only items we will now be excepting are children’s clothing ( gently used and clean ) children’s books,videos and stuffed animals. I ask that you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF ADULT CLOTHING OR LEAVE DROP OFFS AT THE DOOR. We are open Tuesday-Thursday 9:30-11:15. Drop offs are excepted at that time. If this is not a time that works for you, please take the items to Goodwill. Please do not leave out in the weather!! Thank you for your cooperation, Elaine Fournier I would like to thank Mrs. Collins and her second grade class, along with Mrs Indorf and her first grade class, at Young School for doing a mitten and hat drive for Open Hands, Open Heart. Because of their help, we are well on our way to keeping children warm for the upcoming winter. It’s nice to see young people with the spirit of giving.
Open Hands, Open Heart would like to get a shoutout to Saco & Biddeford Savings for their generous donation. Thank you Amanda Lutz for bringing this to us. It was nice to finally get to meet you.
Because our fundraiser was such a success we were able to implement a new program for Open Hands, Open Heart. We will now be purchasing new shoes. Thank you for all your support.
A special thanks for the folks who put a team together and came out to play. It was successful it was fun. Looking forward to next year.
Elaine Fournier Founder |
Open Hands Open Heart is an outreach program located adjacent to the Saco Food Pantry. The organization was founded by Elaine Fournier in 2008. It's mission is to provide clothing for needy children in York County.
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OPEN
Tuesday - Thursday
9:30-11:30
&
last Tuesday of each month
5:00-7:00
Tuesday - Thursday
9:30-11:30
&
last Tuesday of each month
5:00-7:00
