The Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management and the Maine Military Family Assistance Center, in conjunction with the first lady of Maine Ann LePage, invited sponsors of the military "Christmas Across Maine" project to a tea and celebration at the Blaine House in Augusta April 9.

After a period of refreshments and a brief presentation by Chaplain (Colonel) Andrew Gibson of the Maine Army National Guard, each sponsor was recognized and given an award certificate. More than 100 military families were helped during the month of December 2013. Each sponsor adopted a family and worked to get donations and food for them.

Wiscasset High School Student Council adopted two families this year. "It was a real honor to help those who have given so much of their time to our country," WHS senior Briana Goud said.

This year the WHS Student Council designed their shirts in the color purple, which symbolizes all the branches of the military. The students wanted to bring awareness to the children of military families as well. Yellow ribbons on the sleeve helps people to remember those who are serving now. This is the second year that WHS has joined forces with the Military Family Assistance Center to bring much needed contributions to those in need.

“This is something which we want to continue for years to come,” WHS Student Council Advisor Deb Pooler said. “We are thankful to have had this amazing opportunity to give back to our military.”