This isn't the first time that Joe has used the Time & Temp to promote one of his favorite local non-profits, Simple Gifts. Simple Gifts' purpose is to provide limited financial support and encouragement to patients and their loved ones who are experiencing a medical crisis. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers. Simple Gifts gives assistance in the form of gas and food credit cards, gift certificates, birthday, holiday, and special occasion gifts, as well as other forms of limited financial support. Simple Gifts also helps to facilitate community-based giving to these individuals. The typical "simple gift" has a value of $50 or less. Find more about the organization here.

Simple Gifts has been selected for inclusion on Bangor Savings Bank's Foundation's 2015 Community Matters More ballot. As one of six Cumberland County nonprofit organizations listed on the ballot, and one of 48 statewide, Simple Gifts will receive a $1,000 grant and will be in the running for a top award of $5,000 based on total community voting.

$5,000 would provide 200 $25 gas/grocery cards for in-need patients treated in Maine hospitals and their visiting loved ones.

Voting takes place February 1 through February 28, 2015.

To vote for Simple Gifts online:

Click on "Cast Your Vote Today" at this link: www.bangor.com/cmm
Click "Next" and enter first name, last name, email, zip code
Scroll to Cumberland County on ballot
Vote for Simple Gifts
Click the "Finish" button.

Joe will be casting his ballot for this amazing organization and hopes that you do too!