Come From Away is based on the true events that took place in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, and the days that followed. Nearly 40 planes bound for the US were grounded at the local airport, doubling the population of the very small community in an instant. Over the course of the week, the town rallied to take care of the folks who were stranded in a variety of ways. In the moving song “Blankets and Bedding,” necessities are gathered from around the town to ensure safety and comfort for those who landed there.
We are anticipating a very successful run of three performances here in Portland, with nearly 6,000 in attendance over the weekend of January 12-13, 2024. Ovations is aiming to leverage that opportunity to gather items or resources most needed by members of our own community, with each performance of Come From Away including a collection effort for a different service organization.
COLLECTION DETAILS
If you’re attending a performance of Come From Away staff will be stationed inside the lobby with collection bins. You will be able to drop your items off once you have passed through security at the entrance.
If you’re not attending Come From Away but still want to contribute collection bins will be available at the Portland Ovations offices (120 Exchange St, Portland) right across the street from City Hall. We will be accepting items from each organization’s list. Drop-off is available January 8-12, between 10 AM – 4 PM.
Friday, January 12, at 8 PM
- Maine Needs will be collecting new or gently used waterproof hats and gloves in both adult and children’s sizes.
- MAINE NEEDS is a community donation center that relies on the generosity of the community to help individuals and families in Maine meet their basic, material needs by providing donated clothing, hygiene products, household items, and other necessities. They focus our work on those starting life over from scratch: domestic abuse survivors, asylum seekers and those facing financial hardships. They partner with schools, caseworkers, teachers, nurses and professional care providers to provide these material resources.
- Click here to make a Tax-Deductible Donation
Saturday, January 13 at 1 PM
- Preble Street will be collecting new socks and gloves in adult sizes only.
- The mission of Preble Street is to provide accessible barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty, and to advocate for solutions to these problems.
- Click here to make a Tax-Deductible Donation
Saturday, January 13 at 7 PM
- HIAS at the Jewish Community Alliance will be collecting new, unopened toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion) and gift certificates to area grocery stores (Hannaford, Shaw’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, etc.).
- HIAS works around the world to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homelands because of who they are, including ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. For more than 130 years, HIAS has been helping refugees rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. As a HIAS affiliate network partner, the Jewish Community Alliance is committed to bringing approximately 115 refugees over the next year, helping them to find housing and work, and connecting them with services here in Maine over their first three months here.
- Click here to make a Tax-Deductible Donation to the JCA’S HIAS program
