UMaine Bookstore Schedules Ornament Unveiling

Contact: Media contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571

ORONO — The University of Maine’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program will be the first beneficiary of a new program created by the University Bookstore to help campus organizations that work to benefit others.

The bookstore has scheduled its first Commemorative Ornament Unveiling for Friday, July 25 at 10 a.m. in the store’s Memorial Union facility.  At the event, bookstore manager Bill Hockensmith will display a holiday tree ornament, created specifically for this new program.  The ornament will go on sale beginning that day, with the proceeds to benefit ASB.

“With Christmas just five short months away, this is a good time to begin raising money to support this worthy cause,” Hockensmith says.

ASB promotes service on the local, regional and international levels through programs that immerse students in different cultures, while heightening social awareness and advocating lifelong social action.  In the past, UMaine students involved in Alternative Spring Break have provided service to Habitat for Humanity, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City, Hands On in Atlanta, Project Lazarus in New Orleans and many other needy organizations. 

A committee comprised of UMaine students, faculty and staff members will work to identify a different worthy campus organization each year to benefit from what will become an annual program.

The July 25 event will feature holiday music, food and other seasonal thematic elements.