Old Town groups rally to aid G-P workers

OLD TOWN – Several Old Town businesses and organizations are working to help the 300 people who lost their jobs at Georgia-Pacific last week.

The Old Town-Orono YMCA is providing twofold assistance – free use of facilities and child care.

“The Old Town YMCA is providing a three-month free facility-use package for all G-P employees affected by the layoffs,” executive director Gary Baldwin told workers. “If you need to relieve stress, come to the Y.”

Baldwin spoke to the millworkers during the employee assistance meetings held Tuesday at G-P’s training center. He said the workers would have free access until June 30. Former G-P employees who need assistance with child care while applying for jobs or other employment assistance also can drop off their children at the YMCA for free playtime supervision.

“Effective immediately with anybody who has children who are potty-trained, we’ll watch your child for free while you apply for jobs,” said Baldwin. “Please use this service.”

People interested in taking advantage of this service should call ahead to make an appointment.

Crossroads Ministries, located at 17 Center St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to provide assistance to anyone in the area. Representatives from Crossroads attended Tuesday’s meetings to let laid-off workers know what services are available.

One local business that has stepped forward to help Crossroads’ efforts is McDonald’s on Stillwater Avenue in Old Town. The business is sponsoring a food drive for the organization and is offering a free small drink to anyone who brings in a nonperishable food item.

There is no cut-off date for the food drive. Company officials said as long as people continue to donate items, the program will continue.

Crossroads also is receiving assistance from Hannaford Bros. Co., which owns Shop ‘n Save in the Old Town plaza, and many other area businesses.

In addition to food, Crossroads provides clothing and emotional aid through support groups.

Holy Family Parish, 429 Main St., is providing assistance with food on the fourth Monday of each month. The parish offers a free community supper from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. However, this month’s supper is not being held because of Good Friday.

A transition team is forming in which Baldwin will be the facilitator.

“The team is going to be made up of community people who want to help,” he said.

After the team is set up, a community meeting will be held at the YMCA to let the former G-P employees know what kind of services will be available. Baldwin said the meeting should be held at the end of the month.

Penquis CAP’s Good Neighbor Fund is seeking donations of money to help pay the bills of affected G-P workers. Make checks or money orders payable to Good Neighbor Fund and mail them to Penquis CAP, P.O. Box 1162, Bangor, ME 04402-1162. Contributions should state that funds are for families affected by G-P layoffs.

For more information on YMCA services, call 827-6111; for Crossroads Ministries, call 827-1298; and for Holy Family, call 827-4000.