PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Grace Interfaith Food Table (GIFT), located at 11 Industrial St. in Presque Isle, was recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Program.
GIFT Director of Volunteers Charlene Buzza was in Augusta to accept the award during the annual Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism presentation, held at the Hall of Flags.
According to Buzza, the pantry meets a primary need for very low-income citizens in Aroostook County: food. GIFT has been in Presque Isle since 2003 and operates as an all-volunteer organization. It began with only five volunteers; now, 14 years later, there are 38 who give of their time.
Buzza said, “These volunteers represent a wealth of experience and collectively have devoted more than 6,500 hours to GIFT’s mission.” In 2016 they served 3,248 people from the surrounding towns of Presque Isle, Mapleton, Castle Hill, Chapman and Crouseville. The volunteers come from RSVP, area churches, Boy and Girl scouts, and other individuals.
The Governor’s award “recognizes a non-profit organization (501(c)3), municipality, or government program that has made a significant changes and improvements in the condition of the community as a result of volunteer service.”
