LEWISTON, Maine — The mayor of Lewiston has officially declared Nov. 3 “Love Lewiston Day,” as part of Tree Street Youth’s effort to honor the victims of the deadly mass shooting that occurred on Oct. 25 at a local bowling alley and restaurant.
“Uniting together and extending love to our neighbors is very important as we move forward. We are a resilient community, and we do have the ability to unite and heal, as well as share acts of remembrance within our city and beyond,” Mayor Carl L. Sheline said in a news release.
The engine behind these heartfelt efforts, Tree Street Youth in Lewiston, is a center that serves 500 students aged pre-k through high school, offering programs geared towards academics, empowerment, college access, leadership, enrichment, and mentorship, according to the Tree Street website.
“Everyone is processing the trauma from the events of Oct. 25, 2023, differently across our community and so many have wanted to know what they can do. This is an opportunity to come together and honor the victims and their families, thank our first responders, and personally care for ourselves by caring for the community we all love,” Tree Street states on its website.
Anyone wishing to participate in remembering those who lost their lives and comfort those who survived, can write cards or letters of encouragement, become a response listener, or simply wear a remembrance ribbon.
To learn more, donate, or make suggestions on how to best support Lewiston, can click here.
Ways to LOVE Lewiston
(A list from Tree Street Youth)
- Put a blue heart up in your window.
- Buy coffee for a neighbor.
- Carve a pumpkin and add to others by Mollison Way.
- Organize a service event with your organization, friends, company.
- Put up an encouraging poster.
- Hand out free hugs.
- Coordinate a prayer or meditation circle or other gathering.
- Exchange an uplifting smile.
- Visit a neighbor or call a friend.
- Make a donation to a fund or favorite organization.
- Pick up litter.
- Rake a neighbor’s lawn (with permission).
- Collect supplies for a local organization.
- Donate to a food pantry.
- Support a local eatery by taking a friend to lunch or coffee.
- Organize a soccer or basketball game for local youth.
- Play your musical instrument publicly for all to enjoy.
- Plant a tree.
“I am very thankful for the youth at Tree Street who are actively demonstrating love throughout our community,” Sheline said.