As we enter into the holiday season it is easy to get wrapped up in gifts, holiday cheer and the overall excitement of the holidays. But some of our community members are in need at this time. Some are looking for warm coats to wear during the winter months and some are looking for food to feed their families. During this holiday season, if you are in need check out some of these resources. If you are not in need yourself, consider donating to these causes to help out your neighbors. Now is the time to spread cheer to everyone!
Seacoast Fridge – A community fridge where you take what you need and leave what you can. Located at the Kittery Community Center in Kittery, Maine (120 Rogers Road, Kittery, ME). This is an organization that we hold dear to our hearts and donate to when we have left over foods after events. Consider donating food and even boxed cake mixes because who doesn’t love a cake on their birthday!? (The Fridge is available 24/7.)
Table of Plenty – The Table of Plenty is offering drive-thru take home meals and indoor seating each week. (In Berwick on Wednesdays and in Kittery on Thursdays.)
Food Pantries – To find food pantries in your area, check out Strafford County Community Action Partnership (https://straffordcap.org/food-pantries/). For York county, check out this resource (https://www.gsfb.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/York-County-2022.07.pdf)
North Berwick Food Pantry (Mondays)
The Community Food Pantry Inc (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Gather (Monday through Friday)
South Berwick Community Food Pantry (Thursdays, First and Third Friday)
The Little Pantry (Available 24/7)
Seacoast Community Lunch – Each week we partner with community organizations, local businesses, and individual volunteers to offer a free, hot meal to anyone who wants one. This includes seniors, local business people, the homeless, the handicapped, children, single or stay-at-home parents, and anybody else. Guests enjoy a hot meal, meet their neighbors, and participate in the vital community of Portsmouth. (Wednesday)
Community Cafes – Community Cafés are available in communities throughout York county and provide participants an opportunity to socialize with other attendees while enjoying a delicious and nutritious lunch.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging – From nutrition to affordable housing, this site has a great number of resources available for Maine residents.
Maine Needs – community focused donation center based out of Portland, striving to help Mainers meet their basic material needs. For a list of their current needs, check out their website: https://www.maineneeds.org/donations
It Takes a Village 207 – Provide resources for families struggling with financial hardship, homelessness, food insecurity, substance abuse, domestic violence, and more life challenges. They also provide clothing, winter gear and other essentials for those in need.
Toys for Tots – This year at our Holiday Lights Tour we will be raffling off baskets donated by local organizations to raise money for the Dover Fire Department’s toy drive. This year their inventory was wiped out by a water incident at the department. We want all kids to enjoy their holiday season this year and for years to come. Consider donating today!
Fuel Assistance – If you find yourself in need of assistance for fuel, check with your local provider. “To apply for Fuel Assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA) to set up an appointment or to learn more about the application process.”
Meals on Wheels – “Meals on Wheels New Hampshire is a broad coalition of non-profits that seek to support seniors and homebound adults across New Hampshire.” If you know of anyone who is homebound and needs assistance with food, this is a great organization to help you.