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Last year, we continued to see more families in need in our region than in years past.

Thanks to your support, our 2022 Stuff the Bus was the biggest in our history! Thanks to all of the organizations that collected gifts and donated last year, and chances are you are looking for ways to make a difference again this year. There are still a lot of local families counting on us this holiday season.

What is Stuff the Bus and how does it work?

Purchase gifts you would like to donate from the Target wishlist or your favorite local retailer
Drop your gifts off at the Chamber or one of the public drop-off locations
Our elves pick up the donated gifts with the Northeast Charter Bus
The Chamber elves distribute all of the donated gifts to our non-profit partners.
You bring a smile to a kiddo, parent, or senior, and a tail wag to a pet this holiday season!

Shop the Gift Wishlist

Public Drop Off Locations

Northeast Bank

Target Auburn

Androscoggin Bank

30 Lisbon Street, Lewiston

505 Sabattus Street Lewiston

12 Subaru Drive, Auburn

683 Minot Ave, Auburn

Auburn Savings Bank

325 Sabattus St, Lewiston

256 Court St, Auburn

Bonney Staffing

155 Center St, Auburn

Central Maine Healthcare

60 High Street, Lewiston

Champoux Insurance

150 East Ave, Lewiston

Community Concepts

240 Bates St, Lewiston

Community Credit Union

144 Pine Street, Lewiston

DaVinci’s Eatery

150 Mill Street, Lewiston

Downeast Food Distributors

94 Merrow Rd Auburn

Dube’s Flower Shop

195 Lisbon St, Lewiston

Greater Androscoggin Humane Society

55 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston

Hampton Inn

15 Lincoln St, Lewiston

Hebert Construction

150 Mill St., Suite 3, Lewiston

Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch

14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn

City of Lewiston

Town Hall, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston

Kommunity Kritters

128 Pine Street, Lewiston

Northeast Bank

232 Center Street, Auburn

Ouellette & Associates P.A.

1111 Lisbon St, Lewiston

Residence Inn by Marriott

670 Turner Street, Auburn

Tri-County Mental Health Services

1155 Lisbon Street, Lewiston

Your Donations Support

Safe Voices
Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services
Seniors Plus
Store Next Door
Strengthen LA
Tri-County Mental Health
The Root Cellar
Trinity Jubilee Center
YWCA

Thank You to Our 2023 Stuff the Bus Wishlist Supporters!

Thank You to Our 2023 Stuff the Bus Community Supporters!

Looking to get involved? Contact Katie at Info@LAMetroChamber.com or call 207-783-2249

THE GEMS OF Route 26

Just ten minutes west of Auburn, picturesque Route 26 winds its way through gorgeous countryside boasting culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions ideal for day trips, families, and solo reﬂection. Stop at Cyndi’s Dockside halfway through for amazing scallops and a peaceful lake view.

More on Route 26

DINING IN LA

The food and dining scene in LA reflects the long history and diverse cultures of the area. Start your day with a wood-fired sourdough bagel from Forage Market, named “America’s Best Bagel” by Saveur Magazine. Just a block away you can visit Heritage Restaurant, an African restaurant that serves ...

Courtesy of LA Arts

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On PUBLIC ART

Lewiston and Auburn are embracing public art to promote cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality. From crosswalks with pavement murals for pedestrian safety and neighborhood identity, to commissioning significant works by Maine
sculptors at major gateways, local public art expresses pride and quality of life for both residents and visitors...

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OUTDOOR RECREATION

The Outdoors the region offers trails that weave through the city, with views of skylines and access to dining, as well as short jaunts to trail heads for paddlers, serious hikers, and explorers.

Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu

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PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE

Professional theatre, music, and dance organizations have made a home in the community, Bates College continues to integrate its offerings into the fabric of the cities, delightful public art is popping up on every corner, and new restaurants and shops pepper the streets of the downtown...

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THE GREAT FALLS

The Great Falls is at the heart of Lewiston and Auburn on the mighty Androscoggin River, and is a sight to see during the Spring runoff. Other river activities include white water kayaking at Dressers Rips, Crew Regattas, and great riverside fishing along the water’s edge.

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On COMEDY

LAUGH IN LA

Ten years ago, the Lewiston Auburn comedy scene was non-existent. Today, the Twin Cities are not only the comedy hub of Maine, they’re also a breeding ground for the local scene. Home to a plethora of weekly and monthly shows in venues ranging from craft breweries to historic churches, you can stop in and find a variety of local comedians sharing the stage with regional favorites from Boston and beyond.

PLAN Your Trip

If you’re flying to the region, consider a chartered flight to the Auburn Lewiston Airport, or head to Portland Jetport (PWM) and rent a car for your 30-minute drive. Major routes into Maine include I-95 from Boston (2.5 hours) and Route 1 along the coast...

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On WEDDINGS

Whether you and your sweetheart are looking to exchange vows in the heart of an urban downtown, amidst the rustic vibes of vintage barn décor in rolling fields, overlooking the Great Falls in the heart of the city, or in the historic craftsmanship of a church, our region has you covered.

Read More

Spotlight On ADULT-USE CANNABIS

Maine's adult use cannabis program launched in 2020, and the industry has been growing rapidly ever since. Since recreational cannabis stores do not require medical cannabis certification for purchases, adult use cannabis has become a particularly attractive option for tourists and residents alike.

Read More

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On DISC GOLF

- - Pine Acres Disc Golf Course
  - Roy’s Disc Golf
  - Campbell Highlands & more...
Find More Places to Play

Courtesy of Poland Spring Golf Course

THINGS TO DO:

Spotlight On GOLF COURSES

Poland Spring Country Club

Part of the scenic Poland Spring Resort, this course offers a driving range, velvet bent grass greens, lessons, and tees for all abilities.

Find More Courses

Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu

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PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE

Professional theatre, music, and dance organizations have made a home in the community, Bates College continues to integrate its offerings into the fabric of the cities, delightful public art is popping up on every corner, and new restaurants and shops pepper the streets of the downtown...

HEALTH + Wellness

The communities of Lewiston and Auburn host several events each year that embed the values of health and wellness into the culture of the region. These competitive events are family-friendly, welcome all skill levels, and leverage the outdoor assets of the area. People across the region rally their teams, train, register, and race for fun, cash, and a purpose.

Check out one of these events

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Housing Opportunities

Peruse housing opportunities in our communities

Spotlight On LOCAL FOOD SCENE

What makes a vibrant regional local food culture? A central location within the state that houses and connects farms and food producers to thriving markets. A longstanding agricultural history with farming heritage, passion...

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TOP INDUSTRIES

The region’s top industries employ roughly 25% of the overall workforce, from creative and advertising positions, executives to skilled labor, and all stages of career growth in between...

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RISING PROFESSIONALS

The region boasts the youngest population in Maine, and has a vibrant culture of supporting rising professionals. Area employers invest in their employees with onsite institutes, earn-while-you-learn education opportunities and certifications.

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EDUCATION

Our educational offerings extend from Head Start and private preschool facilities to first-rate public and private K-12 schools to post-secondary institutions that educate nearly 6,000 students each year...

Make Your Mark

Starting a Business In The Region

The region is home to a strong ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs and business startups. The cities of Auburn and Lewiston each have robust economic development teams with friendly people who...

Retirement

With the amenities of a big city and only minutes from a country setting, the Lewiston Auburn region has much to offer those ready to settle into retirement. Along with affordable real estate markets and senior living communities, the area features dining and shopping options, beautiful places of worship, and first-class medical care...

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES & Festivals

Summer Activities:

Paddling the Androscoggin River
Mini Golf Driving Range visits at Poland Spring, Tabors + Roy’s
Disc Golf at one of 6 area courses
Swimming at Range Pond State Park, Poland

Courtesy of LA Arts
THINGS TO DO:

ARTWALK

Art Walk LA celebrates the Lewiston Auburn arts scene and community, bringing art, crafts, and live entertainment to more than 20 venues and outdoor spaces in downtown LA on each final Friday in May through September. The event draws

THE LA REGION

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan region stretches across Androscoggin County’s 16 communities. Through the center of the county, and joining the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, runs the Androscoggin River. As the second largest metropolitan area in Maine, more than...

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AUBURN

Situated on the west side of the Androscoggin River, more than 40% of Auburn’s land is agricultural. Auburn offers the best of both worlds, with a walkable downtown district close to hotels, breweries, and restaurants...

More About Auburn

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LEWISTON

Lewiston is Maine’s second largest city, running east of the Androscoggin River. Home to historic mills that tell its legacy of hard work and immigration through the generations, the downtown district is...

More on Lewiston

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POLAND + MECHANIC FALLS + MINOT

In Western Androscoggin County, 10 miles from LA, you will find the trio of towns Poland, Mechanic Falls, and Minot. These small towns share a regional school district amid rolling hills and rural farm lands

Explore the Area

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LISBON + DURHAM

Each summer, Lisbon hosts concerts in the park, where a small bridge over the falls will connect you to Durham. This quiet, rural town of open fields and green forests remains a place where time slows down and life is less hurried.

More on the Area

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TURNER + LEEDS + GREENE

Turner is a growing, family-oriented community just north of the metro region with a distinct sense of place. Bordered by Greene and Leeds, small rural communities to the east, the three towns comprise School District 52. The region has great recreation fields for youth sports and a public library...

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WALES + SABATTUS

Wales and Sabattus are two towns north of the LA region, both acting as quiet, residential communities for employees in LA and Augusta. If quiet backroads and short commutes are the lifestyle you seek, these are the towns for you.

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LIVERMORE + LIVERMORE FALLS