It’s turkey time again, and that means that Boothbay Region Food Pantry volunteers are busy filling Thanksgiving boxes for distribution on Saturday, Nov. 23.

More than 150 people have signed up for boxes (50 more than last year). That’s a strong indication that Maine’s economy is still suffering from the vagaries of seasonal employment and lack of full-time jobs.

But, thanks to a steady stream of generous donations from the community, foundations and several summer resident associations, the food pantry is well stocked for the Thanksgiving season. All our clients will be able to share a special meal with family and friends on this important holiday.

Donations are usually strong as summer residents leave for other parts of the country. Some donors send notes with their checks, and this month, two were especially meaningful.

One was a donation from a person who had sold her house. The donor wrote, “I said if I sold my piano I would use the money to feed the hungry, so here’s my check.”

Another wrote a little notation on the bottom of the check: “PFA care also.” That translates to “People From Away care also.” Personal messages such as these make the food pantry volunteers feel their work is all the more worthwhile.

Historically we have seen more people turn to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry as we get deeper into winter. In June and July, when seasonal work was available, the pantry served 355 individuals. As the tourist season wound down, we served 455 in September and October, and now, as winter is upon us, the numbers will rise.

Last November and December the pantry served 600 individuals. And, with the impending cut in food stamps, we are anticipating an even bigger increase in pantry clients this winter. That’s why it’s so important to keep the donations coming. The food pantry relies on personal and business donations and a few major grants. Through the generosity of all in the community, we can help those in need get through another tough winter.

Several major community drives are coming up this month: a local business, the Boothbay Elementary School and the Y are planning fundraisers.

From now until Christmas, Coastal Maine Popcorn will give a small bag of sweet or savory popcorn (limit: one per family) to anyone who brings in a donation of any non-perishable food for the food pantry.

The Boothbay Region Elementary School is doing a food drive that will be delivered to the pantry on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Six volunteers have already signed up to help receive and sort canned food donations on that day. We are grateful to the students, their parents and teachers who make this drive possible.

And the Y-sponsored Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (lose a few calories before eating turkey) is raising money for the Food Pantry. There is no fee for the run, but last year 100 runners contributed more than $1,600 to the pantry. All ages are welcome. Join the fun and you’ll feel slimmer when you sit down at that food-laden table, and happier for having contributed to the pantry.

Despite all this help, the food pantry still needs continuing funding to serve all our clients this time of year. Without further donations our shelves would be severely depleted.

So please remember the pantry in your end of year giving. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will help us fill Christmas baskets and stock the shelves for the holiday season.

Why worry about a Christmas gift for that friend or relative who has everything? Just honor them with a gift to the food pantry. Or simply tell your family that you are giving a gift to those in need of food instead of buying Christmas stocking stuffers this year. If your donation is received by December 10, the food pantry will send you a printed gift card to pass on to your loved ones.

Please send your donations to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry, P. O. Box 63, East Boothbay, ME 04544.

Canned, boxed or bottled goods are also gratefully received at the basement door of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor. If the door is open, leave your donations inside in the box provided. If locked, just leave them outside the door. All non-perishable donations are appreciated, but especially soup, coffee, canned fruits and vegetables, and staples such as sugar, flour and cooking oil. Perishable goods are accepted, but please call Fleet Davies, 207-350-4077, to arrange delivery.

 Information for clients

The Boothbay Region Food Pantry is located in the lower level of the Congregational Church at 125 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor (enter through the parking lot on Eastern Avenue). The pantry is open each Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Clients will not be admitted to the pantry waiting area until 11:30 a.m. Clients wishing only to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and bread supplied by Hannaford may do so, but only after all other clients have been served.

The Good Shepherd Food Mobile will be in the parking lot of the Congregational Church on Friday, Nov. 22 from noon to 2 p.m. All in need of free food are invited to avail themselves of this service, generously funded by the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, NA, Trustee.

You do not have to be a food pantry client to take advantage of the food mobile. Please bring your own bags. The regular food pantry will be open for clients, as usual, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Clients who have signed up for Thanksgiving food boxes may pick them up between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the food pantry.

If you have a food emergency, call the Congregational Church at 207-633-4757 during normal office hours, or, at other times, call Fleet Davies at 207-350-4077.

The Boothbay Region Food Pantry serves the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Southport. New clients should provide proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill, lease or rent receipt. Income guidelines apply.