Our community’s generous response to Boothbay Region Food Pantry’s request for more volunteers and more funds was a source of holiday cheer for all involved. This Thanksgiving we were able to supply 150 families with vouchers that enabled them to purchase a turkey, side dishes and “fixings” for their holiday meal. The vouchers are provided according to family size so even the larger families were able to celebrate around the table. It is heart-warming to see how appreciative people are for this bit of joy in their lives. We are also providing our clients with vouchers for Christmas because we believe that sharing in this way is truly in the spirit of the season.

We are still receiving donations of produce from the farms in Damariscotta and Newcastle and this access to this healthy food that can be so expensive at the grocery store is much appreciated by our clients. We have also received donations of Christmas stockings from the Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor and other generous members of our community. Since the days of Covid, however, monetary donations have fallen off significantly so these vouchers that give our neighbors a chance to celebrate the Holidays are a real strain on our budget. What’s more, the number of people who attend the pantry because of their need for supplementary food has increased, further stressing our funds. So, since once again it is the end of a year and folks are bound to be working on their tax deductions, please keep the Boothbay Region Food Pantry in mind. And if money is short we love volunteers!