There are many people, like me, who long to make pies the way Mom did.

We try and try again, but never quite measure up.

The only real help is packaged crusts but, deep in our hearts, when we set it on the table, no matter how lovely it looks or how good it tastes, we know it’s not quite “real” pie.

Thankfully, there are those who understand that some of us fall down a bit in that holiday baking department, and that there are others of us who simply don’t have the time it takes to enjoy the experience of pie making.

Which are two very good reasons why holiday pie sales are so popular.

And the fact that those events not only help us, but also help the community services offered by area nonprofits, makes it a wonderful opportunity for all.

I’ve heard from representatives of quite a few organizations that are offering us all the opportunity to put “real” pies on our tables this Thanksgiving, and I am happy to pass that information along to you.

“Delicious” is the word to describe the homemade pies you will be able to purchase at the UCP annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale from 10 a.m. until the pies run out Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the Airport Mall in Bangor.

And while United Cerebral Palsy of Northeast Maine volunteers manning the booth ran out of pies before noon last year, the organization has more volunteers than ever donating their time and baking pies for this year’s sale.

On the UCP pie list are bourbon pecan pie, apple pie, blueberry pie, pumpkin pie and many other family favorites.

UCP serves more than 3,000 people of all ages with disabilities of all kinds, and it relies on fund-raising efforts such as this to help families who might not be able to pay for the needed services it offers.

And UCP has so much faith in its pie-making volunteers, it promises, “no one will know you didn’t bake that pie yourself!

Pauline Sodermark, secretary of the Corinth Historical Society, wants residents of that area, and anyone driving through the area for the holidays, to know that CHS volunteers will sell homemade pies and yeast rolls between 2 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the historical society’s building at 306 Main St. in Corinth.

The organization hopes you will take advantage of this offer to help with your holiday cooking, and help members of the society preserve the history of their community.

Nancy Dysart of Eastern Maine Charities and Wayne Melanson of Hospice of Eastern Maine invite you to purchase a variety of baked goods at hospice’s seventh annual Thanksgiving Celebrity Bake Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, outside the second-floor cafeteria at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

This sale features the participation of local media personalities, varsity coaches, community leaders and representatives of the University of Maine.

Among the items you will be able to purchase are homemade pies, breads, cakes and other pastries.

Residents of Winterport and Frankfort are reminded of the fabulous invitation by Winterport Boot Shop owner Mike Allen and Sisters restaurant owners Rose DeGennaro and Millie Brown that includes more than just pies!

Folks residing in Winterport and Frankfort are invited to a free community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 22, at Sisters on Route 1 in Winterport.

If you need a ride to the restaurant, or would like a takeout dinner, call 223-5003.

The meal is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and everyone is invited to attend, regardless of income.

With the help of many local businesses and willing community volunteers, Allen hopes that this holiday will be much more enjoyable for those who might otherwise be home alone.

Allen hopes everyone who is able will take advantage of the opportunity “to have a meal with neighbors in the community.”

If you are in the Presque Isle area and would like to phone home, but don’t have the means to do so, U.S. Cellular can help.

From Stephanie LeBlanc of Nancy Marshall Communications comes word that U.S. Cellular is offering the Presque Isle H.O.P.E., or Homeless Outreach Phone Effort, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter on Airport Drive in Presque Isle.

The national program, designed to provide the homeless and underprivileged an opportunity to call their families and friends free of charge during the holidays, has helped more than 18,000 homeless and disadvantaged people throughout the country reconnect with their loved ones since its inception in 1993. This is the second year for the Presque Isle program.

U.S. Cellular associates will volunteer their time at the shelter to assist individuals in placing local or long-distance calls by wireless phones to their families and friends anywhere in the continental United States.

There is no charge for the calls.

Individuals and organizations are urged to help provide new toys, games or other gifts for needy children through the United Way of Aroostook’s annual Santa’s Sleigh Program.

Last year, with the help of the U.S. Marine Reserves Toys for Tots program, WAGM-TV, civic organizations and individual donations, UWA was able to distribute gifts to nearly 800 children in 19 Aroostook County communities who might not, otherwise, have had anything to open on Christmas morning.

If you, your business or organization can help fulfill the wishes of needy youngsters in The County this Christmas, you are asked to call UWA at 764-5197.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.