GERRY WILES HOLIDAY FOOD BASKET DRIVE TO BENEFIT FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has set its sights on providing a holiday meal to 130 Franklin County families this December. Last year, with tremendous support from area businesses, individuals, and numerous volunteers, the program helped 110 families come together over a warm meal during the holidays. With a community like Franklin County behind it, the Chamber is confident it can reach even more people this holiday season.

“Many of the baskets will be distributed countywide through our local food pantries, and applications are also being accepted from community members,” said Chamber Executive Director Stacie Bourassa. Food baskets are distributed to families referred by local service agencies, schools, Operation Santa Claus volunteers, members of the Chamber’s board of directors, area businesses and agencies.

“Funding to local pantries has been declining over the last few years, but the need continues to rise. This is a critical time to support local efforts to ensure that our area’s residents have their basic needs met,” Bourassa added.

The Chamber seeks donations of food and monetary contributions in preparation for this community service project. “More and more people step up in support of this effort each year, and I think this speaks to the value our community places on the program. The past few years have been difficult for many of us, yet I am often amazed by the generosity of our area residents. I am reminded of a quote by Sir Winston Churchill which reads, ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.’ Many may already understand the power of this statement, but for anyone who may not know how true it is, I encourage you to give to this program and find out,” Bourassa said.

The Basket Drive is named in honor of deceased local resident, Gerry Wiles, who left us in October of 2010. As shared in a tribute to Wiles last year, “It would be Gerry’s personal request that wherever you are, whenever you can, do so much for a child as is possible by sharing your time, talents and values.”

Donation and basket request forms are available online by visiting www.franklincountymaine.org. In addition to the Welcome Center, donations of food are also being accepted at these locations: Franklin Somerset FCU, Kingfield; KeyBank, Wilton; and Otis FCU, Jay.

Please submit request applications and donations of food/funds to the Chamber no later than December 9 at 4 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by the food basket committee, and granted based on eligibility and availability. If contacted, baskets will be available for pick up on December 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the FCCOC Welcome Center, 248 Wilton Rd., Farmington. Arrangements may also be made for Friday, December 16, if needed.

By everyone doing a small part, it really makes a big difference in our communities! Thank you for your consideration.

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