Donation of plus-size women’s clothing sought

Although the Women, Work & Community clothing room has a variety of suits, pant suits, dresses and coats for women size 12 and under, there are not enough outfits for plus-size women, says Jane Searles, the organization’s regional manager.

Noting that “the community has been so generous … since we made a request for clothing donations through this column,” Searles said it is time “to make another request for more clothing.”

She pointed out that “the average size woman of today is 14 – and over – and some of the women we serve really need clothing from size 18 to 4X.”

It was November 2003, during the celebration of its 25th anniversary, that Women, Work & Community moved to its present Bangor location and opened its free professional clothing room “for women who need new clothes, shoes, pocketbooks for job interviews, school interviews, for trade shows if they own a business and for volunteer positions,” Searles said at the time.

The community responded admirably at that time, but now the need is to obtain more plus-size clothing, and Searles hopes you can help.

She reminds you that “because of our limited room, we can only accept clothing clean, on hangers, and ready to be worn right away.”

She also mentioned that WWC can no longer accept jeans or bagged clothing, stressing again that the donations must be ready-to-wear.

If you have questions about when and where to deliver contributions or what items would be most acceptable, call WWC at 262-7840.

Your RSVP is requested by Friday to attend the Bangor Noon Kiwanis Club Super Ball Dinner, which is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the Bangor Elks Club on Odlin Road.

Admission to the event, which features a choice of sole-wrapped lobster tail or filet mignon, is a tax-deductible $160 per couple, and offers a chance to win $2,000.

The event benefits the Police Athletic League Center which, last spring, lost its funding and was scheduled to close until Bangor Noon Kiwanis came to the rescue with an offer to help save the after-school program for local children.

Ric Tyler will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which includes numerous prizes, donated by area business owners.

You know the meal will be outstanding, since it will be prepared and served by students of Penobscot Job Corps in Bangor.

To order tickets or obtain more information, call the club’s answering service at 941-9101 or PAL Center fundraising chairman Peter Golding, 843-6263.

Anne Gabbianelli O’Reilly of Hampden called to thank everyone involved with the recent benefit spaghetti supper for her 14-year-old son, Donovan O’Reilly, an eighth-grader at Reeds Brook Middle School. He has been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome and other medical complications.

“Bless the community,” she said of the friends, University College of Bangor co-workers, Donovan’s friends and teachers from Reeds Brook, including the kitchen staff, and even “the gentleman with the bagpipes” who made the benefit, truly, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Donovan’s mother said she wanted to send out a “massive thank you” because she just doesn’t know any other way “to begin to thank all these people, and those who have been so generous” in sending contributions to help with expenses incurred by this youngster’s rare illness.

Now is the time to make your plans to participate in the 10th annual Paddle for Pine Tree Camp, which celebrates its first decade with two trips on the river of its roots: the Kennebec.

Erin Rice reports the first 2006 Paddle for Pine Tree Camp, “a peaceful sunset paddle from Bingham to Solon,” will occur June 2.

The second paddle, “an exciting morning paddle from Solon to North Anson, followed by a celebratory barbecue,” will be June 3.

Rice said a shuttle service will be available at both locations; Maine Guides and expert volunteers will escort both trips; both trips are approximately 6 1/2 miles long and take about 2 1/2 hours to complete; and paddle sites are accessible and appropriate for paddlers of all skill levels.

Money for PTC is raised by paddlers collecting pledges per mile, or by accepting direct contributions.

All money raised through the Paddle directly benefits Pine Tree Camp for Maine children and young adults with disabilities. It is in Rome.

To register or receive more information, visit the PTC Web site, www.pinetreesociety.org; e-mail info@pinetreesociety.org or call 443-3341.

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