BELFAST — Students at Waldo County Technical Center left for holiday break armed with warm clothes and a little extra food, thanks to the Tech Center’s second annual “‘Tis The Season” celebration.

On December 18 and 19, WCTC’s student center was bursting at the seams with clothing, toiletries and food all donated by the community, according to a news release. Holiday music played while students were given empty shopping bags and encouraged to take what they needed.

Bags were soon filled with hoodies, socks, coats, boots, oranges, bread, pasta, deodorant, apples and toilet paper. There were also sweet treats laid out for students to enjoy on the spot.  

“Unfortunately, for many students, holiday break means a break from reliable meals, warm rooms and caring adults,” said the Technical School, in the release. “This event helps teens bring some the warmth of WCTC home with them.”

Tis’ The Season was organized by WCTC’s Food For Friends/It’s Cool To Be Warm committee, which is dedicated to ensuring  that students who attend the tech center have their basic needs met so they can focus on learning.

“None of this would be possible without the extraordinary generosity from community members of Waldo County, such as Belfast Rotary Club, Athena Health, and a local food pantry, not to mention several donations from many individuals,” the school said.

Clothing, food and toiletries have been flooding in to stock the shelves of the school’s clothing and food pantries.

As the winter progresses, there is continuing need for warm coats, boots and for non-perishable food. Anyone interested in donating to this cause should contact Lacey Breems at (207) 342-5231 ext. 222, or via email at lbreems@waldotech.org.