There is no question in anyone’s mind that we are facing very challenging times. With unemployment on the rise and the prices of basic goods and services keeping pace, more and more people are lacking in basic needs that include food and a place to live. If you are among the more fortunate not to be directly impacted by the struggling economy, you most likely know someone who is. And at the very least, it’s getting harder all the time to stretch a dollar. Several excellent volunteer opportunities exist in the southern Maine area that might be just what you’re looking for if you would like to lend a hand, make a difference and, just maybe, brighten someone’s life in the process.
The Stone Soup Food Pantry, located at 316 Main Street, in Biddeford, is a totally non-profit organization that provides produce and bread products, along with furniture and clothing when available, to anyone in need without question. Call 207-283-0055 and ask for Kathy if you’d like to help with stocking shelves and serving clients.
York County Shelter, located in Alfred, is working to end homelessness and to help people attain their full potential by providing temporary housing, resources and other opportunities. The Shelter is looking for volunteers for its upcoming annual Apple Festival to be held September 24 and 25 at Shaker Hill in Alfred. Help is needed to sort and price items for the yard sale, organize hundreds of donated books, prepare healthy lunches and monitor booths and refreshment stands during the event. Call Joan or Mary at 207-324-1137 if you’d like to help out.
Shaker Hill Kitchens, located at 17 Thornton Avenue in Saco, operate under the auspices of the York County Shelter in Alfred and share in the shelter’s mission to end homelessness. A combination cafe, bakery, shared-use kitchen and catering service, the Kitchens are always looking for volunteers to help with serving, stocking and cleaning up. Call 207-283-3128 or email [email protected] for more information.
Books Revisited sells gently used books whose proceeds go to help patients served by the HomeHealth Visiting Nurses. Located at 321 Elm Street in Biddeford, 148 Main Street in Sanford, and 477 Congress Street in Portland, the stores are staffed entirely by volunteers who help with sorting out donations, shelving books and materials, cleaning and conducting sales. For more information, call 1-800-660-4867 or visit their web site at www.homehealth.org.