Andover volunteer group says holiday aid list has grown to about 160 families

Michelle Carlini, who identified herself as the unofficial chair of Andover Caring and Sharing, told the city council the program has expanded substantially since she joined nine years ago. "Last year, we provided food and gifts to over 85 families and almost 200 children," she said, and said the organization currently has "about a 160 on the list for this year."

Carlini thanked the city for a grant provided earlier in the year and described how the program operates: school counselors provide family names, volunteers contact families to confirm clothing sizes and needs, and volunteers sort and wrap gifts in mid-December for distribution at the fire station on Dec. 18. She said volunteers provide clothing (including new outfits, socks and underwear), two to three gifts per child depending on need, and hygiene and school-supplies drives earlier in the year. Drop-off points include the fire station and several local businesses; Carlini encouraged residents to bring items to Hometown Christmas as part of admission.

City leaders thanked the presenter and asked for practical details; Mayor Ronnie Price confirmed drop-off points and thanked Carlini for the work. The council did not take any formal action; Carlini closed by inviting volunteers and donors to assist with the Dec. 18 distribution.

The council packet included a brief acknowledgement of the organization’s grant and the presenter provided the current program statistics during the meeting.