Threads to Breads recognized for customer service
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Threads to Breads was named the first recipient of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s Customer Service Recognition Award.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THREADS TO BREADS, located at 491 Main St. in Presque Isle, was named the recipient of the January Customer Service Recognition Award, presented by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Pictured from left are: Theresa Fowler, executive director of the CACC; Chamber members Renee Chalou-Ennis, Floyd Rockholt, Laurie Nelson and Greg Doak; co-owner Sherri Theriault; Chamber member Shelley McAtee; and co-owner John Gilland.
Co-owners Sherri Theriault and John Gilland were presented with the award on Friday, Jan. 30, at their store at 491 Main St.
“Our goal is to establish a community kitchen for senior citizens. We want to create a place where seniors can eat in a diner atmosphere — be treated with dignity,” said Gilland.
Gilland said unlike other soup kitchens that give meals away, a small fee would be charged.
“Many seniors are unwilling to accept something for nothing. We’d charge a nominal fee — perhaps $3 a meal,” he said.
Theriault said the facility, once established, would rely on volunteers to cook and serve the food.
“Programs like Aspire have people looking for volunteer opportunities,” she said.
“It’s about connecting the people who want to help with the people who need the help,” said Gilland.
The award, first announced by the CACC in mid-January, is presented to an area business based on various criteria, with nominations made by the public.
“We had several nominations for Threads to Breads — most notable was a letter from Terra Soucie,” said Lyn Frederick, executive assistant at the CACC.
In the letter, Soucie wrote: “It gladdens me to know that there are still kind-hearted people out there. I am very lucky to know John and Sherri. They are always helping other people so much that they rarely do anything for themselves. Sherri and John clearly care about the community of Presque Isle and have come to the aid of others — whether it was a huge favor for someone or something as simple as offering a kind word to cheer you up when you’re having a bad day. I am proud of John and Sherri for all the sacrifices they’ve made in their own lives in order to have their store up and running for the community, which is why I believe Threads to Breads should be this month’s winner for the Customer Service Recognition Award.”
Gilland said often customers want to do something and this gives them an opportunity to do so.
“This award gives them a voice,” Gilland said.
Gilland and Theriault volunteer their time at Threads to Breads, a thrift store selling everything from clothing to dishes and toys. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Later, if people are still shopping,” added Theriault.
Gilland said the community kitchen is still just a vision for the future.
“We’re not a nonprofit. It’s too complicated right now to file for 501c status,” said Gilland. “We’d have to establish a board of directors and other things we’re currently not able to do.”
“We don’t want to have to ask permission of a board if we want to give someone a coat, for example,” said Theriault.
“We’re not sure exactly where it will be established but we know how we want it to operate. For now, we’re focusing on operating the thrift store and helping those in need,” said Theriault.
Nominations can be called in to the Chamber at 764-6561 or emailed to lfrederick@centralaroostookchamber.com. They can also be posted to the CACC Facebook page or sent vial mail to: Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, 3 Houlton Rd., Presque Isle, ME 04769.
