Exactly 25 years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from the youth group that started it: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”

Today, more than $100 million has been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper Bowl of Caring efforts.

For the past seven years, Boothbay region community of churches have faithfully joined the efforts. Every Super Bowl Sunday, members and friends in the participating churches bring non-perishable food and money gifts to worship. The effort is scheduled to “kick off” again this year on Sunday, Feb. 1, Super Bowl Sunday.

Last year, local churches brought in over $5,000 in money and food value to help stock the shelves of the Boothbay Region Food Pantry. This is a critical time for help in the pantry with growing numbers of families coming to receive help during the long winter months.

This year we invite other groups to join in the efforts. Schools, the business community, healthcare facilities, et al, start a local collection site of your own and simply chose a volunteer to deliver your gifts to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry on Sunday, Feb. 1 between the hours of noon and 1 p.m.

Volunteers from the pantry will be on duty to thank you and receive your donations. The food pantry is located on the lower level of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor.

Once you have made your donations to the pantry, feel good about your giving as you gather for the "Big Game” that evening. You will have impacted the life of one of your neighbors in need.

For more information please contact: Sue Burge, 207-633-7049. Souper Bowl of Caring website: www.tacklehunger.org.