Coastal Recovery Community Center (CRCC) in Rockland is gearing up for the holiday-giving season. Supporting the Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) Food and Energy Assistance program, visitors to CRCC’s 11 White Street center can drop off much-needed foodstuff for the holiday season.

There’s a special suggestion list on the donation box, according to CRCC, in a news release, but it is recommended that any items needing refrigeration or freezing to please take them directly to AIO at 1A Gordon Dr., Rockland, right off Thomaston Street. For more information, call AIO at 207.596.1043.

Also at the center, CRCC is supporting Healthy Kids and is welcoming all ‘Holiday Elves’ to support its kiddos, ages 0-18 with new gift items. The request is for building blocks, books, clothing, games, science, arts and crafts, and toys.

"If your kids are grown, there are lots of other children in need to help keep the spirit of the holidays alive, so please give generously," said CRCC.

The Healthy Kids gift drive supports Knox and Lincoln County children, and along with CRCC’s location, there are drop-off and pick-up sites in Damariscotta at 15 Belvedere Rd.; and, at the Thomaston Public Library, at 60 Main St., Thomaston.

"Healthy Kids now has QR codes to scan, making it easier than ever to register to be a gift-giver, or to become a gift-receiver," said CRCC.

CRCC is a registration scan QR code location.

For more information, visit healthykidsmaine.org, email hk@tidewater.net, or call 207-563-1818.

As colder weather arrives remember CRCC serves the community as a warming center, so enjoy a hot cup of chocolate, coffee, or tea, when you bring in your donations, during office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Coastal Recovery Community Center (CRCC) is a safe, nonjudgmental space for every individual on a path to recovery. That pathway is not only for the individual struggling with substance and/or alcohol use, but their loved ones as well. CRCC offers harm reduction strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substance use and improving health and wellness for people seeking and maintaining recovery.

CRCC serves the entire Knox County community and is located at 11 White St., Rockland, ME 04841. Stop in to gain free access to charge devices, check emails, get coffee, water, or just grab a snack. Free items are offered: wound kits, shower/ hygiene kits, sexual wellness supplies as well as peer-to-peer support services.

FMI: visit CRCC on Facebook, or www.rocklandrecovery.org, or 207-691-3697. For more information on healthy living, diseases and conditions, services, data and reports, and so much more, visit the Maine CDC at www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/ or call 207-287-8016.