SANFORD — Allen Paquette, owner of the Boston Bakery located on Main Street in Sanford, has been working hard to provide families in need with gifts and winter attire for the holidays. The inspiration for the donations was sparked by a woman and child, both homeless, who visited his bakery last week asking if he had any food for under $1.

“Last Thursday I was closing up I had a woman knock on the door and ask to come in to use the bathroom. She was with her daughter. When they came out, she asked if there was anything less than a dollar for her daughter to eat,” he stated that after talking to the woman for a bit, he realized they were homeless and hungry. Touched by her story, he decided to do what any kind person would.

“It really hurt me to know that she was struggling this time of year, so I gave her free meal, paid for her a cab and bought them a hotel room for the night,” he said. “I rest easier at night knowing I helped them stay warm, at least for one night.”

Seeing the struggle of the young child was the tipping point for his involvement in helping others. Paquette made the decision to start asking for any donations that could help children in need this time of year. The response he received was incredible.

“I put it on Facebook the next morning and people started coming in instantly and bringing presents,” he said. “Today we’re tying tags to scarfs and hats and hanging them to the fence over in Washington Square.”

The post, which received 173 likes and 56 shares, has helped to spread the word about Paquette’s hope to provide warmth and happiness to children this winter. With over 50 scarfs and headbands and approximately 30 gifts under the tree, the bakery has been working with local churches and the state Department of Health and Human Services to raise money and awareness about the issue of homeless in the area.

Despite a drop in homelessness nationwide, Maine’s homeless population has risen 26 percent in the past year. With the closest homeless shelter located in Alfred, Paquette understands the need to help others who won’t receive it otherwise.

Debbie Bernard, an employee at the Boston Bakery, has only worked at the location for three weeks, but has seen many homeless and hungry people come into the bakery. In addition, she has also seen a lot of people willing to help.

“Allen had been talking here and there about doing something to help families in need this holiday season and we work closely with DHHS to figure out the next steps to take,” said Bernard.

She explained that regardless of space, Paquette was determined to have as many gifts under the tree as possible. At first, donations were slow – but it wasn’t long before the community came together to donate gifts for people who would otherwise not have gifts to provide their children.

“We posted our idea on Facebook and it was at that point that the presents started piling in,” said Bernard. “People continued to come help even after we received so many gifts. We had a whole table of volunteers wrapping gifts last week and we have a lot of help tying the scarfs to the fence as well.”

Many of the people who showed up to help hang the scarves were familiar with the story and know the business owner well. Alan Main, a resident of Sanford and old friend of Paquette, stopped by with his family to be a part of the project.

“There are so many presents under the tree and there are so many scarves and hats to give out,” said Main. “(Paquette) has always been very positive and motivated. What he has organized this month is really amazing.”

Amanda Mayo, a resident of Sanford, sat at a table full of homemade scarfs and headbands. To each pair, she tied a ribbon with a tag and guided others who were helping her with the cause.

“I started coming to the Boston Bakery and after talking to Allen and hearing what he wanted to do, decided to be a part of it,” said Mayo. “I love helping other people and I want children to know that giving is best and to not always think about yourself.”

On New Year’s Day, the Boston Bakery will be providing free food to the homeless and other people in need. Paquette calls this ‘the first free meal of the year” and is hoping that anyone in need will attend. For more information about the Boston Bakery or to contact Paquette, visit their Facebook page or call 459- 7000.

— Krysteana Scribner can be reached at 282-1535.