FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce exceeded its goal of providing a holiday meal with many extras to 100 families this year – with a final count of 111 families in Franklin County being recipients of the Chamber’s Holiday Food Basket Program.
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“Once you know there is a need, you feel responsible to respond,” said the Chamber’s Executive Director, Lorna Nichols. The Chamber set up its holiday food basket headquarters in the Chamber’s Welcome Center at 248 Wilton Road in Farmington where the food boxes were sorted and tagged – ready for pickup and delivery to deserving families across the greater Franklin County area.
“Donations started out slow this year, but we kept an upbeat campaign – letting the communities know of the need and what a great feeling it is to help your neighbor. What a tremendous outpouring of support from many residents, organizations and businesses alike. I truly believe when you realize there is such a need and know how to help – you are then responsible to do something about it.”
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“The conversations with those who stopped by the Welcome Center to bring food or financial donations just warmed my heart.” Some brought a few things, and some brought many. Donations were a few dollars from some and more from others. People gave what they could – and no matter how large or small – they felt good doing it,” Nichols said.
Something new this year was to include the food pantries located in the greater Franklin County area. “We felt strongly that this would be a good outreach to ensure good coverage in all the communities we serve,” noted Nichols.
The Chamber accepts financial donations all year in preparation for the December event, and ramps up their campaign in November and December for non-perishable food donations as well.
Last year’s project was very successful but the Chamber knew this year would be more difficult for many and set the goal for 2009 at 100 families. “I thought I may be stretching it a bit to be able to help so many – but one should never underestimate the generosity when folks know of the need,” she said.
There were many unknown contributors too, and many who wished to remain anonymous – a heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every one who gave so generously this year – teamwork made this year’s project such a success. Next year’s pickup and delivery date with be December 17, 2010. Forms and information will be posted soon with financial contributions welcome throughout the year. Just indicate when you stop in or mail your donation that it is to be used for the Holiday Food Basket Program.
The Chamber is involved with many events and programs throughout the year in the Greater Franklin County area. For more information on this particular program and to learn how you can help or to volunteer, please visit www.franklincountymaine.org or stop by the Welcome Center at 248 Wilton Road in Farmington. You may also email inquiries to:info@franklincountymaine.org.
