The spirit of giving was alive and well in the South Portland area this year. Our food cupboard was overwhelmed with the response of the food drives performed by elementary schools, church youth groups, scouts and local businesses. Hannaford Bros. kept us supplied with their “Fund A Feast” boxes and food gift cards. Cape Elizabeth Girl Scouts made adorable Christmas stockings and came to the cupboard to fill them. Giving trees in churches and at the Town & Country Credit Union were dedicated to the gifts we needed for teens. Families were adopted by the Scarborough Kiwanis Club. Teamsters Local 340 gave us new games, toys and stuffed animals, and Marion Sturtevant knitted 150 hats.

We have Christmas gifts every year for young and old alike. Parents of teens were especially thankful to receive the articles of clothing or a gift card. We all felt like Santa and were rewarded with heartfelt thank you’s, hugs and tears. This year we have seen a 12 percent increase in families coming to us for food. Due to the generosity of so many in our community, we have been able to help those who come to us. This past December we shared food and gifts with 289 separate families. As the economy and job loss continues, we will continue to share food with those in need and are very grateful for all the support we receive.

Sybil Riemensnider, director
South Portland Food Cupboard

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