Caribou food pantry sees doubling of need

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The Caribou Ecumenical Food Pantry, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary “providing an emergency food service to those who are hungry,” wrote board president Lynne Josselyn, is preparing for a winter “of people needing food, fuel and friendship.”

The pantry “must be ready to supply the food needed for persons facing difficult financial days and months ahead,” Josselyn said in urging people “to continue your support with financial giving, prayers and backing in any way.”

The pantry serves clients who meet requirements of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program who live in Caribou, Conner Township, Perham, Wade, Washburn and Woodland, said pantry coordinator Jessica Feeley.

The pantry is open during the fall and winter on Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first Saturday of each month in Suite B of 46 Sweden St. in Caribou.

That is the old Powers Theatre building, Feeley explained, adding that most people would more easily find it by knowing it is across from Napoli’s Restaurant on Center Street in Caribou.

To obtain food, clients must call between 10 and 11 a.m. for an appointment on the days the pantry is open, then must pick up their supplies between 11 and 11:30 a.m. the same day they call, she said.

In asking for continued support, Josselyn said that during the past three months “our Food Pantry recipient families have nearly doubled over the figures for 2007.”

“Your willingness to keep our food program going will be sincerely appreciated.”

Volunteers to help unpack and stack may visit the pantry from 9 to 10:30 a.m. any Tuesday or Thursday.

Contributions may be mailed to pantry treasurer Bobbi Pelletier, 7 Pioneer Ave., Caribou 04736.

Dot Clukey reports that the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4633 Auxiliary will host its Holiday Fest 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the VFW hall on Canoe Club Road in Hampden.

Proceeds benefit the organization’s veterans assistance and community service programs.

The event features crafts, holiday basket raffles, “re-gifts,” decorations, food items and a corn chowder luncheon.

For information about this event, or the organization, call Myrtle Ellingwood, 862-5385.

Oops! Barbara Grindle e-mailed that in Wednesday’s column I had the correct day but the wrong date for the Bangor High School Project Graduation 2009 Longaberger Basket Bingo.

That fundraiser begins with doors opening at noon and games starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, (not 22) at Husson University’s Student Center in Bangor.

Tickets are $15. Seats are limited so call Grindle at 356-2869 to be sure they are available.

Peg Robertson called to say that the Blue Hill Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will host its annual Thanksgiving pie sale starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Firehouse in Blue Hill village.

Prices vary according to the pies, Robertson explained, adding that anyone who would be willing to donate a pie is welcome to leave them in the “Gad” Robinson Room at the Firehouse.

Diana Richardson, chair of the missions and outreach committee of Hampden Congregational Church, wrote she is “very excited about an upcoming, special fundraiser to benefit the Help for Hampden Fund, a local emergency assistance fund that supports members of the SAD 22 communities of Hampden, Newburgh and Winterport.”

That special event is the appearance of Tony Lentz of Pennsylvania State University with his one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at the church, 101 Main Road North in Hampden.

Admission is a suggested donation of $10, and all proceeds will benefit the Help for Hampden Fund.

Established in 2004, the Help for Hampden Fund has, to date, raised more than $10,000 through a variety of fundraisers and donations from local churches, community groups and individuals, Richardson wrote.

“This event is not to be missed,” she said, offering you “a wonderful way to begin the holiday season.”

Here is your opportunity to appreciate a Maine holiday in real Down East style.

Buddy Mills invites you to enjoy the Christmas flotilla beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, on Moosabec Reach between Jonesport and Beals.

And Mills wants everyone to know that Santa Claus will “be at the Jonesport Firehouse following the flotilla.”

For more information about this event, call 497-2806.

Ruth Leubecker reminds readers that Down East Community Hospital Auxiliary will host its annual Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Rose Gaffney Elementary School in Machias.

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