DOVER-FOXCROFT – Patrons of the Living Word Community Food Cupboard were treated like royalty Thursday at an appreciation day hosted by about 10 food cupboard volunteers.

There were colorful balloons for the children, free hot dogs and hamburgers, drawings for gift certificates donated by businesses in the region and a chance for camaraderie at the afternoon event at the food distribution center on Lincoln Street.

“I think this is excellent,” said Laurel Andrade of Dover-Foxcroft, a single mother who attended the event with her three children.

“For once, I really agree with you,” quipped her daughter, Sadie Andrade, 7.

It was a feel-good day for food cupboard patrons and volunteers, whose smiles gave comfort to the visitors. More than 500 people took part in the event.

“This is a personal touch. We really love the people who come here,” Pastor Tom Bruce of the Living Word Assembly of God Church said. He was pleased with the turnout.

“I think we just love giving stuff out for free,” he said while flipping hamburgers over a flaming barbecue grill.

Bruce, who heads up the food cupboard, said the organization traditionally has done something special for its customers during the fifth week of every month, but this is the first time a customer appreciation day has been held.

Although government officials tout a good economy, the use of the food cupboard is increasing, Bruce said. It now serves 450 to 500 families in the region, an increase of 20 percent since January, he said.

About 10 new families a week have joined the food cupboard since April, according to the pastor.

Sharon and Brian Bemis of Atkinson and their two children are among those who frequent the food cupboard. Perusing boxes of fresh bread and crates of chocolate milk free for the taking on Thursday, the disabled couple said the food cupboard helps them stretch their fixed incomes.

“It’s a very big help,” Sharon Bemis said.

“It’s all about being a part of the community,” Bruce said.

No one was more grateful than Harry Carpenter, 75, of Milo who gripped Bruce’s hand and pumped it up and down on Thursday.

“Thank you. We appreciate it,” he told Bruce.