AUBURN — The Lions Clubs of Maine have undertaken a challenge to raise $76,000 toward the purchase and installation of a 500-kilowatt diesel fuel generator to provide emergency back up power for the Good Shepherd Food Bank. Matching funds of $75,000 will be donated by the Lions International Foundation if the Lions make their goal.

The loss of power at the Good Shepherd Food Bank would be a blow to the more than 600 partnering community food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, boys’ and girls’ clubs, Feeding Maine Youth programs and other community hunger relief efforts statewide that depend on the Auburn food bank to feed more 140,000 residents struggling with hunger on a daily basis.

To date, 42 Maine Lions Clubs and 18 individuals have raised more than $62,000. The goal of $76,000 is in sight for the matching funds from Lions International Foundation. The Lions invite other organizations, businesses and individuals to join in this cause in helping insure a steady electrical power supply to the Good Shepherd warehouse.

Checks may be made payable to Maine Lions District 41 and sent to the attention of Past International Director Lewis Small Sr., 20 Whippoorwill Road, Litchfield, Maine 04350.

For more information, contact Roger Blackstone at 377-6698 or [email protected].