Waterville Rotary Club makes food insecurity donations

The Waterville Rotary Club raised $5,000 this past year to support local organizations that address food insecurity. In the prior three years the club donated $40,622 to organizations addressing hunger and basic needs.

“Our club became aware of the intense need in our community during the pandemic. We have directed a portion of our fundraising efforts each year from 2021 to help support the great work of local meal programs and food pantries, including some housed in our schools. We know that they operate on tight budgets and are dependent upon donations to feed people who don’t have enough resources to prevent hunger,” said club president Daniel Eccher, according to a news release from the club.

Donations were awarded to Winslow Community Cupboard, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, Mid-Maine Technical Center, Albert S. Hall School, Waterville Junior High School, Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, Oakland Food Pantry and Vassalboro Food Pantry Station.

“We appreciate the generous donation from Waterville Rotary Club in the assistance to end hunger. It is our mission at Winslow Community Cupboard to fight hunger, not only in our community but in the surrounding areas as well. All proceeds from this donation will go directly towards making it possible to meet the growing needs of our neighborhoods. This donation will also help us expand to help more people and build our new building so we can continue to support our growing community,” said Bruce Bottiglierie, operation manager of the Winslow Community Cupboard.

“While many volunteers happily provide the labor at the Lighthouse each day, they can only do so because of the financial support of organizations and individuals within our community. It requires significant resources to provide 5,000 meals each month in a safe and comfortable location. The Rotary Club has been a stalwart backer of the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen since its beginning. Its contributions have helped us to keep the doors open and the plates full,” said Carla Caron, president of the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen.