The Waterville Rotary Club raised $5,000 this year to support local organizations that address food insecurity. In the prior three years the club donated a total of $40,622 to organizations addressing hunger and basic needs.
According to Club president Daniel Eccher, “Our club became aware of the intense need in our community during the pandemic. We have directed a portion of our fundraising efforts each year since 2021 to help support the great work of local meal programs and food pantries, including some housed in our schools. We know that they operate on tight budgets and are dependent upon donations in order to feed people who don’t have enough resources to prevent hunger.”
The Waterville Rotary Club raised $5,000 this year to support local organizations that address food insecurity. In the prior three years the club donated a total of $40,622 to organizations addressing hunger and basic needs.
According to Club president Daniel Eccher, “Our club became aware of the intense need in our community during the pandemic. We have directed a portion of our fundraising efforts each year since 2021 to help support the great work of local meal programs and food pantries, including some housed in our schools. We know that they operate on tight budgets and are dependent upon donations in order to feed people who don’t have enough resources to prevent hunger.”
Donations were awarded to the following organizations:
- Winslow Community Cupboard
- Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter
- Mid-Maine Technical Center
- Albert S. Hall School
- Waterville Junior High School
- Waterville Area Soup Kitchen
- Oakland Food Pantry
- Vassalboro Food Pantry Station
The organizations are very grateful for the funding. Bruce Bottiglierie, Operation Manager of the Winslow Community Cupboard states “We appreciate the generous donation from Waterville Rotary Club in the assistance to end hunger. It is our mission at Winslow Community Cupboard to fight hunger, not only in our community but in the surrounding areas as well. All proceeds from this donation will go directly towards making it possible to meet the growing needs of our neighborhoods. This donation will also help us expand to help more people and build our new building so we can continue to support our growing community”.
According to Carla Caron, President of the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, “While many volunteers happily provide the labor at the Lighthouse each day, they can only do so because of the financial support of organizations and individuals within our community. It requires significant resources to provide 5000 meals each month in a safe and comfortable location. The Rotary Club has been a stalwart backer of the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen since its beginning. Its contributions have helped us to keep the doors open and the plates full”.
The Waterville Rotary Club is proud to support these outstanding groups doing important work in the community.