NorState Federal Credit Union has announced that the ninth annual Hope for the Holidays Food Drive will continue through Dec. 19.
NorState FCU’s Ending Hunger Campaign Coordinator Karen Lavoie invites everyone to contribute what they can toward the food drive with donations of non-perishable food items that can be dropped off at over 30 local merchants, organizations or at any NorState FCU locations in Eagle Lake, Fort Kent, Madawaska, Ashland, Presque Isle or Van Buren.
Denise Cote, a longtime advocate for the food drive and marketing director for NorState FCU, said the credit union has “partnered with Channel X Radio once again to bring you the annual food drive.”
“This food drive is one of the biggest for the St. John Valley, and has been extended to incorporate our central Aroostook offices and surrounding communities,” said Cote.
“This is a big undertaking and many volunteer hours and generous donors help in stocking the shelves of our food pantries that most often times see a higher demand to feed our friends and neighbors because of heating or medical expenses this time of year,” she said.
Since 1999, NorState FCU has distributed over $158,000 and collected over 56,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for local pantries.
“Working together to make sure that no one goes without food in northern Maine is instrumental in the fight to end hunger locally,” said David Rossignol, chief executive officer.
Donations of non-perishable food items may be dropped off at the following locations during normal business hours — Van Buren: Saucier’s Shurfine, Tulsa, NorState FCU and Keegan Variety. Ashland: NorState FCU, Ashland One-Stop, Hornet’s Hometown and Ashland Foodmart. Caribou: Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center and Save-A-Lot. ￍ
