Rightstart, Inc

Rightstart is an all volunteer organization that provides programs and services to children and teens throughout Oxford Hills. Our mission began in 1979 during the International Year of the Child through efforts of the Norway-Paris Kiwanis Club. Since then, Rightstart has been providing assistance and programs becoming a separate organization in 1980. Rightstart is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has five main programs. Christmas for Kids and Christmas for Teens provide Christmas for families that may have little or no Christmas. Kids receive new toys, hats, mittens and a new book. More than 500 children are helped each year. Christmas for Teens requires teens to be in the eight towns of the Oxford Hills school district, be a full-time student and meet economic guidelines. More than 200 teens are helped each year. The Coat Room distributes donated winter clothing to families from Oxford Hills from October through March. Hannaford in Oxford is a drop off donation spot and Norway Laundry cleans all the donated items. The Book Swap is designed to give children greater access to reading materials. With many PTA and PTO groups providing this opportunity, Rightstart hosts one book swap event in March in conjunction with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. Rightstart also offers a Summer Tutoring Program. Certified teachers are hired to tutor qualified students in math and reading. More than 50 children are served each summer. We always welcome volunteers. Contact for Christmas for Kids: Connie Allen, 743-5728 or connieallen6@gmail.com.