By Tammie Mulvey
Houlton Rotary Club
HOULTON — Our guest speakers for Sept. 9, were members of the Aid For Kids organization.
Dawn Degenhardt started off by thanking Rotary for its past support. In 2011, Rotary gave Aid For Kids $5,000, and with that they were able to purchase new, quality merchandise such as diapers, winter hats, gloves, scarves, children’s rocking chairs, Nike sports clothes, Sketchers shoes and educational toys from Toys Across America.
Most of the goods were delivered to those in need in Aroostook County and other rural areas in northern Maine by local volunteers and more than 90 distribution partners.
Contributed photo/Michael Clark
ROTARY PRESENTATION — Aid for Kids and the “Other Maine” project were guests at the Houlton Rotary Club Sept. 9. From left are Heidi Abbotoni, Dannette Ellis, Ed Degenhardt, Dawn Degenhardt, Marilyn Roper and Rotarian Chris Nickerson.
Many of the items were restricted to be given to low-income families to help make ends meet. Some items were restricted to particular locations and others were required to be distributed throughout the state. For example, in 2012 Aid for Kids received 1,500 warm coats and in 2013, the number of coats grew to 6,500 with the requirement that they be given freely throughout the state of Maine to those in need.
Dannette Ellis, volunteer director of the “Other Maine” project, is getting known throughout the country. As more and more pallets of new goods roll in, a large distribution center became vital. Two anonymous “angels” donated the funds to buy one and in November 2012, the move was made into the new distribution center on Military Street. That move was made possible thanks to the efforts of volunteers from Houlton High School.
“We are very grateful for the grants that have been received for “green” renovations,” Degenhardt said. “We hold out hope that other proposals in the “hopper” will be granted, enabling the Other Maine project to expand, increasing the number of children and families that are helped in these times of increasing poverty in rural Maine.”
The number of children eligible for free and reduced lunches in Aroostook County rose from 53.6 percent to 54.65 percent in 2013. This summer, fall and winter, the distribution center is being renovated (as funds become available) with energy-efficient features (such as insulation, “green” doors, windows and lights) to make it more cost effective—and easier on the environment. Other necessary additions to meet the group’s requirements are also being installed.
“Next summer, we hope to have raised funds for a new roof and fencing of the property, which is ideal for big truck deliveries of many pallets of goods,” Degenhardt said.
Another goal of the “other Maine” Project is increasing literacy in northern Maine.
“We have distributed over 15,000 quality books (many of which are mandated to go into a child’s home) and recently received 5,000 Scholastic books for schools in the County and other locations in northern Maine to the delight of budget-strapped teachers,” Degenhardt said.
Several years ago, Dannette Ellis saw “Bess the Book Bus” on TV and called Jennifer Frances, the dynamic owner. In the summer of 2010, “Bess the Book Bus” came to Houlton and Jonesport. In 2011 and 2012, Fort Fairfield and other towns in Aroostook and Washington counties were added. Each child selects a book to keep for his or her very own. This year, thanks to the large arena here in Houlton, over 20 educational hands-on and fun activities took place.
Degenhardt thanked those in the community who have been very responsive to the needs, including Dannette Ellis and her family for working tirelessly; Hunk Degenhardt for meeting needs as they arise; high school volunteers who are always willing to do whatever is needed, and so many other businesses, organizations, and friends in the greater Houlton community who have been very responsive and helpful in so many ways. This is one of the finest examples of neighbors helping neighbors. Many thousands of people in need are being helped — in homeless shelters, through food pantries, pregnancy care centers, and Head Starts.
The Houlton Rotary Club urges people to take a moment of your time and think about what they can do? It may or may not be a financial gift, maybe it is time or resources. Currently there is a need for volunteers to assist with transporting items to the areas in need. There is an ongoing need for volunteers to help with other things as well so give them a call and see what you can do. For more information call 532-4707 or e-mail at dannette@aidsforkids.org.
