Dead River’s ‘Share the Warmth’ campaign
aids families
PRESQUE ISLE — Three months ago, Dead River Co. launched its “Share the Warmth” effort to gather non-perishable food and to raise money for food and fuel assistance for families in Aroostook County. Residents were asked to bring donated food items to any of the nine Dead River Co. offices in Aroostook County and the company pledged to donate $1 for food and $1 for fuel for each pound of food donated up to $10,000.
HOLIDAY GIVING — Three months ago, Dead River Co. launched its “Share the Warmth” effort to gather non-perishable food and to raise money for food and fuel assistance for families in Aroostook County. Residents were asked to bring donated food items to any of the nine Dead River Co. offices in the county and the company pledged to donate $1 for food and $1 for fuel for each pound of food donated up to $10,000. As of last week, 5,000 pounds of food had been donated, bringing the Dead River Co. matching donation to $10,000. The money and food will be distributed by Catholic Charities of Maine to local families. Attending a check presentation last Friday at the Presque Isle office were, from left: Wally Tapley, Dead River district manager in Houlton/Millinocket; Dixie Shaw, program director at Catholic Charities of Maine; Mark Wilcox, Dead River’s district manager in Presque Isle; and Mike Ouellette, Madawaska district manager. Donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at any Dead River office in Aroostook County through Dec. 31.
As of last week, 5,000 pounds of food have been donated, bringing the Dead River Co. matching dollar donation to $10,000. The money and food will be distributed by Catholic Charities of Maine to local families.
“We’re delighted to say that neighbors are generously giving to help their neighbors,” said Bob Moore, president of Dead River Co. “People came into our local offices in Aroostook County every day with food donations, eager to help. And understanding what the need is, it’s good to know the donations will make a big difference in the lives of many families in Aroostook County. We’re grateful for everyone’s generosity.”
Mark Wilcox, Dead River’s district manager in Presque Isle, noted that the drive is still going strong.
“We’ve met the matching goal, but we’re still collecting food donations,” he said. “The need is still there and our offices are still gathering non-perishable food donations for local food pantries.”
Nearly 15 percent of Mainers are struggling with hunger. In Aroostook County, the hunger rate is 16 percent.
Dixie Shaw, program director at Catholic Charities of Maine, expressed her gratitude.
“Two-and-a-half tons of food, and $10,000 will help a great many people. We serve 25 food pantries each month that answer the needs of hundreds of local families,” she said. “Dead River Co.’s Share the Warmth effort proves that together we can make a difference.”
Donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at any Dead River office in Aroostook County through Dec. 31.
