AUGUSTA — Eighth-graders from St. Michael School spent time after lunch Monday passing out Thanksgiving bags to those in need.
The students handed out 250 bags containing traditional Thanksgiving items, plus a $10 Hannaford gift card, with help from the Salvation Army and members of the community.
Augusta resident Peggy Taylor said that the food comes at a good time because she is often running out toward the end of the month.
“This really comes in handy for us,” Taylor said. “Without it, we don’t know if we are going to have enough food.”
Julie Brawn and her husband, Ron, have been volunteering and assisting for more than 20 years. She said helping others never stops.
With all the acts of terrorism, violence and hatred of the past few weeks, Taylor said it’s refreshing to see people still willing to help. She is appreciative of all that is done to help those less fortunate.
“But at the same time I am sad because there are so many who are without,” Taylor said. “We are very fortunate. I am really very thankful.”
Former deputy district attorney Fernand LaRochelle leads the distribution on behalf of St. Michael and said the hope is that the children who participate are inspired to remain involved in the community.
“You see the need that’s out there, and it’s an eye opener,” he said. “(The students) can tell that these aren’t the families that they come from, and we are doing it to help out, but it serves a dual purpose.”
St. Michael, a pre-kindergarten through 8th grade Catholic school, has been handing out Thanksgiving baskets for nearly 40 years. Kama Lyle, a Salvation Army officer, said 90 percent of the bags were given to Augusta residents, and the majority of the bags went to families.
“As soon as we announce that we are here to help, you see the phone ringing off the hook and people lining up,” Lyle said. “It’s great to partner with different people in the community to make sure that everyone is taken care of over the holidays.”
Lyle said the number of people in need rose a bit from last year, which she said was unfortunate and concerning.
Parishioners, school families and local businesses donated food that was organized by students over the past several weeks. Students Ricky Mulle, Drew Dionne, Raegan Hachey, Josephine Nutakki, Amanda Goucher, Madison Riggs and others spent a few hours on Sunday packing the bags in preparation for the event.
“Community service makes us feel good,” Mulle said. “I think everyone deserves to have food on Thanksgiving so they’re happy.”
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundiKJ
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