PORTLAND – Staff and friends of Good Shepherd Food-Bank have formed a Development Committee in Southern Maine.

The group is made up of people who, by networking together, will bring greater awareness of the services and benefits of Good Shepherd in communities throughout Maine.

Most recently, the committee has begun to plan for a special 25th anniversary celebration for the food bank. “Voices of Hope,” an evening of song and celebration, will be presented at Merrill Auditorium on Saturday, April 22. Five choral groups from Maine and soloist Shannon Selig will perform along with special guests.

Launched in 1981, Good Shepherd Food-Bank is now one of Maine’s largest charitable organizations, providing food to more than 500 nonprofit agencies statewide. Partner agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless and abuse shelters, group and foster homes, recovery centers and others who serve the elderly and children.

It is estimated that more than 70,000 individuals are fed through the partnerships of the food bank.

The organization offers opportunities for volunteering and involvement in helping alleviate hunger in communities throughout Maine. Those who would like to help should contact Michelle Gosselin at 782-3554 or go to www.gsfb.org for more information.