The First Congregational Church, UCC located at 21 College Ave., supports the Waterville Area Essentials Closet, also located at 21 College Ave. The Essentials Closet (EC) offers supplemental self-care and home care items to families in need in the greater Waterville area.

In 2023 the EC served between 275 and 300 households each month. The cost of stocking the shelves to provide these very simple items not provided by EBT or SNAP benefits has exceeded $45,000 for the year.

The EC operates with some funds from the church and donations from the wider community. The donors who have stepped forward to support the EC in 2023 are the Waterville Rotary Club, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon of Maine, the Colby College community, and The John T. Gorman Foundation. The Closet has also received small donations from a few community members.

Every dollar received to support the Essentials Closet is spent on product to share with those in need. No one is paid to operate the Closet. The ordering, pick up of product, the coordination of volunteers, and serving those in need is all done by volunteers.

The Church and the Closet attempt to make our space welcoming to those who come seeking what we have to offer. Sometime between the Dec. 9 and 16, one of our live lighted trees at the entrance to the church and the Essentials Closet was removed by someone who obviously felt they needed the tree. If you know the person(s) who removed the potted live tree please suggest they return it.

If you would like to donate to the Essentials Closet, please visit the Church’s web page at www.watervilleucc.org or mail a check to First Congregational Church 21 College Ave. Suite #5 Waterville, Maine 04901.

Lora Downing

team leader

Waterville Area Essentials Closet

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