The L. L. Bean Boot was on Display at the September 18 Drive at Wayside Food Programs, on Walton Street, Portland.

Human Resources Director Amy Fecteau at United Way (L) and Matthew Wolcott, Senior VP at United Way of Greater Portland.

Sarah Calder of Maine Health and Richard Leeman, of L.L. Bean Were Lent by Their Employers to Assist in The Food Drive for Six Weeks.

Last week, the nine United Ways of Maine kicked off their annual fundraising campaign with a statewide food and essentials drive, collecting 37,856 lbs. of food and other critical supplies for local nonprofits at 20 locations across the state.  Critical supplies collected included over 26,273 packages of diapers and wipes, bars of soap, deodarant, toothpaste and hundreds of coats and warm weather items.  The series of events, called for United for Maine, also generated over $5,000. to support organizations and programs serving Maine people.

These collection drives not only collected much needed food and basic supplies, but they also raised awareness about unmet basic needs and food insecurity – the effect of which have been exacerbates by COVID-19.

“Many Mainers who have never experienced food insecurity before now find themselves visiting food panties as they face furloughs or layoffs in the wake of the pandemic,” said Courtney Yeager, chair of United Ways of Maine.  “Our United for Maine drive showed that we’re all in this together – and anyone can make a difference with a jar of peanut butter or a small donation.  If you’re in a position to help, please consider making a gift to the local United Way.

To support your local United Way, visit:  unitedwaysofmaine.org.

Please see post herein dated September 16, 2019 for more background information.