ROCKLAND — Started in 1990, Area Interfaith Outreach, known as AIO, has been providing assistance to Knox County families for 35 years, starting with food and over time adding energy and diaper assistance as well as a Weekend Meals program for school age children. AIO will be holding several events throughout the year to honor this 35-year anniversary, including a birthday party and open house, Thursday, May 6, from 4 - 6 p.m.

To honor this milestone year AIO invites community members who’ve been involved over the years to share stories and photos. AIO would like to hear from individuals and families who may have been part of AIO’s founding, volunteered or partnered with AIO in some way or who have been the recipient of assistance at some time during its history. AIO will be compiling these stories and sharing them as part of the anniversary year.

"AIO has worked hard over the years to create a safe, welcoming space and provide a wide range of resources to anyone who needs a little help….," said AIO, in a news release. "Through the years we’ve worked hard to build partnerships with residents, local organizations and community members. We are honored to have become an important part of this vibrant community and we are proud of what we’ve created together. It’s been the work of thousands of people over four decades that has helped us get to where we are today. We have much to celebrate!” 

AIO needs the community’s help in collecting stories and photos that help tell the AIO story that began in 1990.

AIO invites anyone who has a memory, story or photograph to share it by either completing this form  (https://forms.gle/3iGoepxuxLqF7DGPA) or contacting Alan Kearl, AIO’s Executive Director, alan@aiofoodpantry.org or 207-596-1043. Photos and newspaper clippings will be scanned and returned to you. Stories can be shared on a voice memo or come to AIO and have your story recorded. Stories can be anonymous if preferred. Stories, photos and any printer materials, newspaper articles are requested to be submitted by April 6 so they can be compiled in time for the May 6 celebration.

Thirty-fifth anniversary events will be updated on AIO’s website at www.aiofoodpantry.org/35anniversary 

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance

Now in our 35th year, AIO provides nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. Funding and access to AIO’s programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. Child food insecurity is estimated at 17.6%. During the past year, AIO has supported nearly 1,900 unique households in the County, that’s more than 4,200 of our neighbors, or more than 10.2% of the County. AIO has distributed more than 75,000 meals to students through our weekend meals program. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention – which is critical as winter begins. AIO has nearly doubled the number of energy assistance vouchers vs. last year in what has been a time of overwhelming need. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.