Men’s group joins Scouts in donating to GIFT
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The GIFT Food Pantry was the recipient of a generous monetary and food donation in November — the combined efforts of a local church group and Boy Scout troop.
THE METHODIST MEN’S CLUB, of Presque Isle, presents Michelle Fowler, of GIFT, with a check on Nov. 3 to help with what may be needed at the food pantry. Pictured from left are: Bud Wilson, Gordon Buzza, Bob Boulier, Dale Golder, Michelle Fowler, Phil Walton, Isaac Adams, Dave Adams and Phil McGlauflin.
SCOUTS COLLECT FOOD — Members of Presque Isle’s Troop 171, at left, held their annual food drive recently, collecting over 1,000 items for the GIFT food pantry in Presque Isle. Pictured from left are: Trace Cyr, Chris Stepp, James Churchill and David Cyr.
FOOD DELIVERY — Delivering food to the GIFT food pantry that was collected by Scouts from Troop 171 of Presque Isle are, from left: Jennifer Cyr and Carol Guerrette.
The Men’s Club of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, during one of their regular meetings, agreed to make a donation to the nonprofit that supplies much-needed food supplies to those less fortunate in the area.
“We hold a meeting every month, with special guest speakers. We often tour facilities like the GIFT facility. We decide instead of having a Thanksgiving dinner everyone would put money in an envelope. We raised $700 for GIFT,” said Michael Gudreau, club president.
Gudreau said the agency’s director was gracious enough to offer his group a tour.
“Michelle Fowler gave us an informal tour and told us of their needs. Michelle got a few volunteers out of it,” said Gudreau. “We’re more than happy to assist places like the food pantry.”
Prior to Thanksgiving, the nonprofit had several roaster turkeys in its freezers. Plans were to use the funds toward fuel, Gudreau said.
“They can always use canned goods, starches,” said Gudreau. “They have a cooler for veggies too.”
Gudreau said local hunters and others have been generous this fall, donating various meat products.
“Someone got a moose and donated meat; they also had some baby beef donated,” he said.
Tom Peary, leader of Boy Scout Troop 171, which is sponsored by the Men’s Club, said Scouts held their fall food drive, with dozens of items collected and donated to the food pantry.
“The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts held their food drive, collecting 1,452 items. About 40 people collected bags of groceries, then sorted them,” said Peary, noting this year’s haul was about the same as past years.
In all, 20 boys and 20 adults worked together to collect nonperishable food items which were then delivered to GIFT.
“It was mostly canned goods, with some boxed items,” said Peary. “It’s an activity we look forward to. We do it once a year.”
Gudreau said the Men’s Club provides members an opportunity to give back to the community. New members are always welcome.
“We always accept new members. We’re even looking for ways to expand it so that it’s not just men. We have fathers who bring their children and we’d like to pursue ways to incorporate families,” said Gudreau.
Gudreau said the organization undertakes activities that benefit more than just the club.
“When the club has a fundraiser, it’s not just for the club. Funds raised go toward the community, such as the donation to GIFT, which will benefit those less fortunate,” said Gudreau.
