Staff Writer
The Caribou Catholic Charities Food Bank and Thrift Shop was a busy place on March 13, as a local “Feed the County” food drive was taking place, entertainment was provided by members of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs drumming group, “Gathering of Women,” all as the Portland-based Catholic Charities board of directors were visiting.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Showcasing some of the culture, pride and entertainment that is such a significant part of Aroostook County, members of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs drum group, “The Gathering of Women,” performed outside at the Catholic Charities Thrift Shop location in Caribou on March 13. The group were guests performers during a visitation of the Maine Catholic Charities board of directors at the food bank and thrift shop. Drummers shown are, from left, Sarah DeWitt and Julie Walton.
“This is Catholic Charities, U.S.A.’s 100th anniversary, this year and nowhere in the country is there a place like, ‘Dixieland,’ said Steve Letourneau, CEO of Catholic Charities based in Portland. “We have many programs, including the Christopher Home in Caribou, and state-wide we offer counseling to individuals with our goal being to assist in helping people become self-sufficient and contributors to their communities.”
“But, this entity, the Catholic Charities Food Bank and thrift shop here in Caribou, is really something, thanks to the Dixie’s leadership, great area volunteers and a dedicated staff,” said Letourneau. “I can’t say enough about the work this community does in support of these efforts, especially the partnership the “Feed the County,” project has with the Aroostook County Federal Savings and Loan establishment and WAGM TV. This partnership is huge, and the number of people who benefit from this, is in the thousands.”
While making their visit to the County, the CC board members were also planning to visit other parishes in surrounding communities.
Members of the Maine Catholic Charities Board of Directors were in the County on March 13, and experienced first hand a Caribou “Feed the County” food drive. The visitors toured the Caribou food band, the thrift shop and were entertained by the drumming of The Gathering of Women, members of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs from Presque Isle. In front, from left are: Jeff Tiner, CC director of quality compliance; Steve Letorneau, Maine Catholic Charities CEO; Dixie Shaw, director of the Caribou Catholic Charities location; Bonnie Bagley, associate member of the board of directors and David Madore, board member. In back are: Vickie Keaton and Kelly Landeen, Caribou volunteers for “Feed the County”, Roger Dyer, board member and Jack McCormick, chairman of the CC board of directors.
