FARMINGTON — Monetary donations to the Care and Share Food Closet are being matched — up to $10,000 total — by local businessman Richard Bjorn.

“People give now, and the money is doubled. How often does that happen?” Leiza Scerbo Hiltz, the new food closet director, said Wednesday. “There has been an immediate response, with large donations coming in the minute (fliers) went out. I want to thank the people in the community.”

Bjorn is taking care of the 3,700-plus fliers mailed to households in Farmington. 

Carolyn and Tony McLaughlin met with Bjorn a few months ago to set up the donation drive, she said. 

Scerbo Hiltz was elected last month by Care and Share Food Closet board members to replace Carolyn McLaughlin. Scerbo Hiltz has been director of the food bank in Industry and has served on Federal Emergency Management Agency board in the past.

“I’ve been working with Carolyn for the past couple years,” she said, “doing what I can, from signing people in to placing orders. I’ve tried to help out, because it is a great thing to have.”

It is a big food bank and there are definitely a lot more people coming in, she said. Care and Share provides food for up to 700 individuals each month. 

Over 330 families received Thanksgiving baskets this year, she said.

The food closet serves people in Farmington, New Sharon, Temple, West Farmington, Chesterville, New Vineyard, Farmington Falls and North New Portland.

The food closet is run by an all-volunteer staff which serves area residents from noon to 2 p.m., five days a week, in the basement of Fairbanks School Meetinghouse.

Donations may be sent to: Care and Share Food Closet, c/o Mary O’Donal, 201 Barlen St., Farmington, ME 04938.

Volunteers are always welcome, she said. People can sign up to volunteer through the United Way website, she said.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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