The assessing departments for the towns of Camden and Rockport have once again teamed up with the local Backpack program to help families in need with an election month food drive. Please bring donations of non-perishable items, including kid-friendly snacks, pastas, ramen and mac-and-cheese with you to vote early (absentee) at your town office through election day.

Bring your donations to your respective polling place – Camden Fire Station or Rockport Town Office – when you come out to vote in person on Nov. 4.

Thanks for Giving was started in 2012 by Lyman assessor Gina Merry. Gina’s food drive benefited Lyman’s local food pantry. After Gina lost a battle with cancer in 2016 the Town of Lyman decided to honor her memory by continuing the annual food drive.

Gina’s husband, Joe Merry, assessor in Standish, inspired by his wife’s vision and the Town of Lyman’s decision to honor her memory, contacted assessors across the state asking them to participate in Thanks for Giving food drives throughout Maine. It has become an annual tradition across Maine ever since.