Holiday Story Ideas for Media

Holiday Stress and Kids: Health story idea. The holiday season has arrived and for most families that means fun-filled activities, shopping, delicious food and -- stress. And kids are feeling it too. Martin's Point Health Care offers some simple steps for parents to help their kids beat holiday stress. If you would like to do a story on this topic, we can arrange for a Martin's Point doctor to be available. Call Beryl Wolfe or Martha Smith at Wolfe Public Relations at (207) 883-6083 or if we are unavailable, call Anne Drouin at Martin's Point directly at 774-5801. (Please do not call any doctors directly.) Thanks! For a copy of a news release on this topic, go to www.wolfenews.com.

Recycling and Holiday Wrapping: General interest. RWS is encouraging southern Maine residents to give a holiday gift to the environment by recycling the mounds of post-holiday clutter so common in homes this time of year. An RWS representative is available to demonstrate what can be recycled and what cannot, explain the process for your audience, and answer questions such as--- Can packing peanuts be recycled? Does wrapping paper go with paperboard or newspaper in the recycling bin? Can wrapping paper be burned? Is all wrapping paper recyclable? We can arrange interviews with Susan McGinty of Cumberland, a board member at RWS and chair of its Recycling Committee. Call Jason Wolfe or Martha Smith at Wolfe PR, 883-6083 or Sue McGinty directly at 829-5122. For a copy of a news release on this topic, go to www.wolfenews.com.

Law Firm "Adopts" Families: Heartwarming holiday story. Lawyers and support staff at Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson have "adopted" three families in need this holiday season, providing them with donated essentials. Perhaps most newsworthy is the large family from Kenya, including seven children from ages 1-1/2 to age 11 (5 boys and 2 girls). Members of the firm have already delivered winter coats, gloves and boots since the family was not prepared for the onset of winter. On December 23rd, members of the firm will deliver to the family everything from toys, tools, dishware, and essential household items such as toothpastes, soaps, and other toiletries. The aim is to help the family acclimate to their new surroundings and American traditions. Please call Mary Beth Turcotte or Julie Girard at Bernstein, Shur 774-1200, or Martha Smith at Wolfe PR 883-6083 for assistance.

Peoples introduces a debit gift card: Consumer story idea. Peoples Heritage Bank is offering a new way for consumers to give this holiday season - debit gift cards from Visa. The cards, which can be purchased in denominations of $25 up to $250, can be used at any store that accepts Visa cards. Called the Banknorth Visa Gift Card, the card looks like a debit card and comes with a season's greetings card and a gift bag, so it is ready to be given as a gift upon leaving the branch. They can be purchased at any Peoples Heritage Bank branch in Maine. If you want to do a story on this topic, or include it in easy but different gifts to give this season, call Beryl Wolfe at 883-6083 or Meg Dempsey directly at 828-7055. For a copy of a news release on this topic, go to www.wolfenews.com.

Heating alternatives: Energy story. With heating season kicking into high gear and budgets tightening, now might be a good time for a story on energy efficient home heating systems. Nelson & Small distributes energy efficient, Monitor heaters as well as on-demand water heating systems (less expensive and more efficient than electric hot water heaters) throughout New England and are experts in energy saving appliances. If doing an energy-related story and need an expert, call Nelson & Small, David Small or Kenny Nelson at 775-5666. For more info on Nelson & Small, go to www.wolfenews.com.