Recently, I heard from Cindy Ludden that representatives of the Jackson Food Pantry Council are seeking your help in gathering items for an auction to raise funds for that organization.

In a letter to the community, the Food Pantry asks that you “please look around the house and see if you have items” you can contribute to this event that is scheduled to begin 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Jackson Community Center.

Donations of everything from household furnishings to outdoor equipment, sporting and gardening items and gift certificates would be appreciated, but the Food Pantry requests very few donations of clothing.

Tables and couches are needed as well, and “we can pick items up,” Ludden wrote.

“Our storage area is large and ready to be filled.”

In its letter to community members seeking support for this fundraiser, the Food Pantry explained why this project is so important.

While the “Food Pantry has been doing very well over the last 12 years,” the letter stated, “with the economy as it is, we are in need of help.”

“The last two months we have seen a large increase” in the number of people in need: These people are neighbors and friends” who live in Waldo, Swanville, Brooks, Jackson, Troy, Thorndike and Monroe.

Unfortunately, the Food Pantry reports, when “looking at our budget, we can foresee a shortage” of money this year.

The Food Pantry reminds you to consider what $1 buys at the grocery store and understand that it can take that $1 and buy seven 1-pound boxes of cereal, seven 1-pound boxes of macaroni or nine cans of soup.

Since the Food Pantry pays 13 cents a pound for its food, “a dollar goes a long way,” the letter states.

Noting that “fundraising in our rural communities” is often a difficult task, the Food Pantry asks that you lend a hand in its effort to help its neighbors in need.

If you can help make this fundraiser a success by making a contribution, call one of the following: Ludden, 722-3205; Donna Nickerson, 722-3372; Diane Brown, 722-3759; Linda Dixon, 568-3411; Jane McLaughlin, 722-3253; Debbie Sweetland, 722-4220; Jackie Robbins, 525-7706; or Pam Lufkin, 722-6018.

Members and guests are invited to the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge St. Patrick’s Day Dinner-Dance beginning with a New England boiled dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 15, at the lodge.

Mike Lange reports music will be provided by disc jockey Cecile Libby, and the evening will feature “beverage specials, door prizes and raffles.”

Admission is $9.95 a person, and proceeds benefit the Lodge Improvement Fund.

For information, call 474-3111 or e-mail elks2531@beeline-online.net.

Carol McElwee of Caribou reports advance tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $12 for the gospel music appearance of High Meadow at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.

Advance tickets can be purchased at the Caribou Dead River Food Trend, Caribou One Stop, Ezzy’s in Van Buren and the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, McElwee wrote.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum campaign.

Sue Tidd of the Brain Injury Association of Maine invites you to participate in The Walk for Thought beginning with check-in at 8 a.m. and the kickoff at 8:50 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Brewer High School.

This 18th annual event will take place in rain or snow, Tidd wrote, but in the event of severe weather, it will be inside the high school.

A light breakfast will be available and when you complete your walk you “will be greeted by the Red Carpet Crew Cheerers” and a lunch, which has been “donated by local businesses,” she added.

Tidd wants readers to know that each year in Maine, more than 7,000 people will suffer a brain injury.

“With brain injury occurring every 21 seconds, this public health concern ranks as the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults.”

She also points out that, for survivors and their families, “brain injury can be life-altering, with serious impairments a frequent result.”

BIAME, she wrote, works to provide “life-enriching support services for survivors and families,” as well as providing “vital prevention education programs” in Maine schools.

To participate in The Walk for Thought, or for information, call 800-275-1233 or e-mail stidd@biame.org.

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