AUGUSTA, Maine - The University of Maine at Augusta athletic department accepted donations totaling nearly $300 and collected several boxes of non-perishable food items at a recent home game to benefit the Hallowell Food Bank.
“Our student population is very involved in the issues around food security,” said UMA Athletic Director Jennifer Laney. “Overall we want to emphasize to our students the importance of giving back to the community, and for us as a department, a number of our student-athletes have volunteered there in the past, so cultivating those on-going relationships is very important to us.”
Two current members of the women’s basketball team, captains Carmen Bragg and Jamie Plummer, began volunteering at the food bank as part of a service requirement for a nutrition class. Senior captain Keith Chesley also spent some time volunteering at the food bank. They helped set up fresh produce from Hannaford and aided in the reorganization and restocking of goods among other tasks while volunteering.
“Working at the Hallowell Food Bank was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had,” said Bragg. “It has taught me to appreciate what I’ve been given in my life, and that you should never miss an opportunity to extend grace to those in need.”
Despite only needing 10 hours of service for the class, both Bragg and Plummer decided to spend every Friday morning for the remainder of the semester, developing solid relationships with many of the people who work there, including Jeanne Langsdorf, who oversees the food bank.
“We looked forward to volunteering there every Friday,” said Plummer. “Even though the semester was so busy, we were able to spend a few hours helping others and probably got more out of it than they did.”
The Hallowell Food Bank is located in the lower level of the Hallowell Fire Station on Second Street. The entrance is on Perley Lane (behind Slates Restaurant). The food bank is open every Fridayfrom 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Non-perishable donations can be delivered to the food bank on Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. or at Hallowell City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.