The Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnership, led by staff at the Penobscot Bay YMCA, is collecting donations to support this year’s Harvesting Hope event, which provides meals, resources, and essential items to individuals who are unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity in Knox and Waldo counties. 

Donations will be accepted from October 13 through November 14, 2025, with drop-off locations at the Rockland Harbor YMCA (12 Water St., Rockland, ME) and the Rockport YMCA (116 Union St., Rockport, ME) during regular business hours.

Requested items include:

• Clothing (shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, children's clothing)

• Winter gear (coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves, boots)

• Blankets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, feet warmers

• Hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, towels etc.)

“Every donation makes a meaningful difference in the life of someone who may be preparing to brave the colder weather outdoors,” said Jamie Lovley, director of the Y’s Community Health Promotion Department. “We’re grateful to the community for coming together to support our neighbors.”

The Harvesting Hope event, hosted annually at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockland, brings together hot meals, local service providers, and essential supplies to help community members facing housing insecurity. More details about the 2025 event will be shared in the coming weeks. The event will be coordinated by Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships (PBCHP) and the Community Health Promotion Department of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.