PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A fundraiser benefiting the GIFT food pantry is planned for Saturday, May 3.
“Grace Interfaith Food Pantry (GIFT) serves the communities of Presque Isle, Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill and Crouseville. We’ll be holding a spaghetti supper on May 3 from 5:45-7 p.m. at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church at 79 Fleetwood St. in Presque Isle,” said Charlene Buzza, GIFT’s co-director.
The price is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.
“Proceeds will go to GIFT to qualify for matching grant funds from the Good Shepherd Food Bank. All of the food is being donated, so all funds raised will be clear profit,” said Buzza.
Buzza said there are four churches in Presque Isle that support GIFT.
“Those churches are St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Presque Isle Congregational Church. There are volunteers from each church that come on rotating schedules to help people ‘shop’ at GIFT,” she said.
GIFT, located on Industrial Street in Presque Isle, is open by appointment the second Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every Wednesday from 9-11:45 a.m.
“GIFT serves an average of 134 families per month for 12 months or a yearly average of 1,608 families, with an average of 264 individuals per month or a yearly average of 3,168 individuals a year,” said Buzza.
Buzza said donations are always welcome.
“If you’d like to contribute for the upcoming fundraiser, monetary donations can be mailed to GIFT at 11 Industrial St., Presque Isle, with ‘supper’ noted on the check. You can also indicate if you wish to donate toward the food pantry itself,” said Buzza.
Organizers see this as a way to give the community an opportunity to help others in need.
“This is a great way for the community to come to a great supper and help out those who are less fortunate,” said Buzza.
