BELMONT - Totman’s, at 369 Augusta Road in Belmont, has launched its annual holiday ‘Food’Raiser and Toys for Tots campaign. The mission is to collect as much food and toys as possible between now and the New Year to help avert as much hunger in the community as possible. Times are tough. Making those times a bit easier is the goal of Totman’s.

Though it might not always be visible, hunger is here. It is everywhere. Some are too proud, or private, to say they need help. There are people in Waldo County in the position of having to choose between fuel, home payments or food.

At Totman’s there is the belief that everyone has a responsibility to help where they can.

“This year’s challenge to the community is to raise not only non-perishable food, but also much-needed essentials such as shampoo, toiletries, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, cleaning products and such that cannot be purchased with food stamps and are not typically available through food pantries,” said Susan Totman, in an news release.

All donations will be distributed locally via the Crossroads Food Pantry (also the local Salvation Army Service unit).

Totman’s is also an official Toys for Tots drop-off location. Toy donations may be dropped off at Totman’s through Tuesday, Dec. 13, while food and essential donations can be dropped off through Friday, December 30.

Drop-off hours are regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 369 Augusta Road, Belmont.

If you, your family or someone you know are in need, the Crossroads Food Pantry provides perishable and nonperishable food items, as well as a variety of home essentials to help supplement the needs of local families.

Crossroads is open weekly every Wednesday evening 5- 6 p.m. and monthly on the second Saturday 8-10 a.m. Crossroads is at 1106 Augusta Road, Morrill. The pantry phone number is (207) 342-4044.

For more information, contact Matt Totman or Susan Totman, 207-342-2886, or via facebook.com/totmans.