Union members employed at Sappi Fine Paper in Skowhegan raised more than $15,000 in the union’s annual holiday drive for Christmas dinners and food banks and for buying items for veterans, according to a news release from the United Steelworkers Local 9.
The Steelworkers and members of three other unions raised $15,854 in the annual Christmas Dinner Harvest drive, which will provide 100 Christmas dinners to area families as well as donations to 11 food banks and items for veterans at VA Maine Healthcare System-Togus. The donations were delivered Thursday and Friday.
The collection has happened annually since 2008, the release said.
Deliveries took place in Fairfield, Vassalboro, Waterville, Oakland, Skowhegan, Mercer, Smithfield, Madison, Solon, Starks and Farmington.
In addition to the money raised by union members, donations were contributed by Fairfield grocer the Village Market, Sappi Fine Paper and Associated Grocers of New England.
“We’re so glad to be able to help out families in our community who may be struggling to make ends meet this holiday season,” said Patrick Carleton, of Chesterville, a paper maker at Sappi and president of the union local, in the release.
“We were able to purchase an incredible amount of food, Carleton said in the release, adding that the donors filled 11 trucks, an 18 foot-trailer and a 12-foot trailer. The food banks already have responded with thanks, adding that they didn’t expect to receive so much, he said.
Cindy Rancourt, recording secretary of the local, said, “We want to help the community out. This was a big effort from a lot of people working together.”
In addition to the Christmas dinners and food cupboard donations, the members also buy and deliver “comfort items” such as socks, soap, warm clothing and razors to Veterans Volunteer Services at the Togus hospital. Donations were delivered to Togus on Thursday, the release said.
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