HARRISON — Serving more than 40,000 pounds of groceries to around 1,000 families per week only begins to tell the story of the Harrison Food Bank.

The list of community needs the food bank meets could fill pages. In addition to offering food assistance at no cost, the organization provides snacks to three local elementary schools for children who don’t have any at recess, assists homeless individuals at Bridgton Recovery Center, makes nearly 400 home deliveries of food each week, and now operates the Ronald St. John Community Center, located in the town’s former VFW building. There is even dog and cat food at the ready.

Achieving all of this with a band of committed volunteers is remarkable. Doing so while treating each person served with respect while preserving dignity is an act of pure compassion.

“We are committed to responding to the food needs of our community to see that no person goes hungry,” said Sandy Swett, Executive Director of Harrison Food Bank. “Nutritious food is a basic human right, and over 50 volunteers work so hard to make this possible. It’s a labor of love.”

A labor that stretches from the drive-up lines on Tuesday nights to collecting Christmas gifts and spreading joy at other special times of year. It’s an effort that has inspired Norway Savings Bank for years, including more than $15,000 in support over the last three years and a recent $1,000 sponsorship for an exciting opportunity at the food bank.

“Shutterbugs 4 Charity, a Portland-based organization, is holding an art auction to raise money for the food bank. The auction will be held in August and already promises to be an amazing fundraiser,” said Swett. “When looking for a sponsor, Norway Savings was the first place we thought of because of how much they believe in us, what we do, and our mission of service. We’re so very grateful.”

“The need and Harrison Food Bank’s response to it are equal parts humbling and awe-inspiring,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “The work of Harrison Food Bank strengthens our community and is guided by an appreciation for our common humanity and the inherent worth of each individual.”

The Food Bank, which is located on 176 Waterford Road (Route 35), is open each Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. There are so many ways to assist the food bank, including volunteering, donating, or driving. For more information, visit www.harrisonfoodbank.com/donate or email harrisonfoodbank@gmail.com.