By Paul Sylvain

The spirit of giving is alive and well, thanks to more than a dozen merry elves at the Parish Hall on Broadway. Thanks to the unselfish efforts of these community elves, more than 600 needy people in the Greater Machias Area will enjoy a warm and happy Christmas this year.

For the 23rd straight year, the Community Christmas Giving Tree Program is continuing its mission to “help area children, elderly, and adults with special needs to have a Merry Christmas.”