Local Solar Company Gives Back This Holiday Season

By Megan McCann

The gift giving season is underway, and the pressure is certainly on to find that perfect item for sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. While it is almost impossible to please everyone with your gift choices, there is one place you can go where you can be sure your gift will be loved, used, and greatly appreciated.

Solar purveyor ReVision Energy of Exeter has partnered with the Children’s Museum of NH to hold a Toys for Tots drive to benefit the Dover Fire & Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank.

The Dover Fire Toy Bank has been coordinated by current and retired members of the Dover Fire & Rescue for more than 35 years. While Christmas typically conjures up visions of Santa and toys, they also provide educational aids, warm clothing, and boots to many children in need in the Seacoast area.

ReVision Energy, a solar powerhouse in Maine that has recently spread its wings to include the NH renewable market, is certainly no stranger to giving back—their solar panels help home owners give back to the environment every day, and their Portland branch has been involved in holiday toy drives for the past three years. This year, when they saw the opportunity to help the Seacoast area, they decided they could do even more.

“We wanted to help in a tangible way,” says Heather Fournier, ReVision’s marketing manager who is in charge of running the event. “We thought what better way than a toy drive, and who better than the Children’s Museum as a partner? The museum has always been great to work with, and has the perfect location in downtown Dover, not to mention a LEED certified building; so their mission and goals are right in line with ours.”

While Dover Fire normally offers their firehouses as drop off centers for toys as well as a toy donation pick-up service, with ReVision and the Children’s Museum getting in the game, donations are even easier. Donations will be accepted at the museum Saturday, Dec 15^th from 10-2 and Sunday, Dec 16^th from 12-3, and every person who donates will receive a 1/2 price admission coupon for the Children's Museum.

Dover Fire Toy Bank has indicated that this year, with the recession still dragging on, they are anticipating an increased need for the fundamentals for many Dover families. ReVision’s and the Children’s Museum’s involvement in the drive is to make sure this increased need is met.

“Revision is doing the leg work in organizing and running the event, and the museum is contributing their space and the very generous discounts to those who donate,” describes Fournier. “And all donations will be given to the Dover Fire Toy Bank. The best part is the Bank ensures that all the toys remain on the Seacoast where they are needed, so that they directly improve our community.”

The Toy Bank would not be a success each year without the continued help and support from the Seacoast community. So, while you are perusing for that perfect gift this season, consider picking up an extra something for a community member in need.

Want to go even further? Collect new toys within your organization or workplace for age groups from newborn to 14 years old and then pass on to the ReVision/Children’s Museum Toy Drive. If you need a collection box, call 603-516-TOYS, leave a message and Dover Fire will get you one for your business.

Monetary donations and gift cards to area businesses, mall stores, and grocery stores are also always appreciated, as well as hand knitted hats and mittens—if you can knit, the Toy Bank will buy any knitting volunteers the yarn to make items for the holiday drive!

For more info on the ReVision/Children’s Museum’s holiday toy drive email Heather Fournier at heather@revisionenergy.com or go to www.dover.nh.gov and look for Dover Fire Toy Bank!