G.I.F.T. Food Pantry Receives Generous Donation
The Grace Interfaith Food Table, or G.I.F.T., was on the receiving end of a very generous donation.
The anonymous donor gifted the food pantry with $5000 with the only stipulation being that the pantry can use the money in a manner that will best help its mission to feed people. It is also the hope of the donor to increase awareness of the need to support local organizations working to improve the lives of people living in Aroostook County.
G.I.F.T.'s Director of Volunteers, Charlene Buzza, was quite surprised after learning of the donation in a phone call from Sherry Locke, then Executive Director of United Way of Aroostook. “This donation helps us keep the doors open and able to feed hundreds of hungry people every month. We’re able to use this money to do important work.”
According to Buzza, the pantry serves 120 households each month. To receive food, clients must qualify for Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
G.I.F.T. serves Presque Isle, Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill, Crouseville, and other communities as needed. Those interested in receiving services should call the pantry on Tuesdays at 764-8584 between 9:00 am and noon for more information or to make an appointment. Qualifying clients are serviced four Wednesdays a month.