On Friday, August 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., AIO Food and Energy Assistance will host its second Fill The Strand with Snacks, Diapers & Back to School Supplies and funds drive to benefit AIO’s children's programs. Similar to the winter Fill the Strand event, this event challenges the community to fill every seat in the historic theater with school snacks, diapers, school supplies and funds to support AIO’s programs that support Knox County children.

"With the community’s support, we’ll help the children of our community whose families are most vulnerable to the challenges of higher food and energy costs, rents and transportation costs," said AIO, in a news release. "This Fill the Strand with Snacks, Diapers & Back to School Supplies event is at the center of this summer effort. AIO’s goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of August– and if successful it will unlock a matching gift of $50,000 from a generous donor. Your dollar donation will double to two dollars."

“Don’t we all remember ‘the butterflies’ on the night before the first day of the new school year?" said Alan Kearl, executive director of AIO. "Will that cute boy/girl be in my class? Which teacher will I get? Will I have the right clothes? For some, these are "privileged kid" worries. Imagine being hungry. Imagine being the kid who wasn’t able to get a backpack or a new set of markers. The AIO effort to gather and disseminate food and school supplies through a dignified shopping experience is so important to building self-esteem in our children. We want to equalize the first day of school so that everyone can start off focused on learning. I hope we collect enough donations to help every child in need." 

“The Strand is proud to support the important work of AIO, especially as America’s children face unprecedented challenges," said Anne Rogers-Popejoy, executive director of the Strand Theatre. "Adding this second annual opportunity for the community to come together and fill Rockland’s historic theater is a natural step in taking care of our neighbors and one another.” 

“At Maine State Credit Union, we’re so happy to help give kids the confidence and tools they need to succeed," said Jennifer Chipman, Business Development Coordinator at Maine State Credit Union. "Supporting our community and investing in local families is at the heart of what we do, and we’re honored to be the lead sponsor of this important and impactful event that helps students begin the school year ready to learn and thrive.”

In-kind donations are appreciated. Non-perishable food with a current expiration date is appreciated (no glass please). AIO would be grateful for donations of the most needed items including the following:

• Back-to-School supplies – folders, lined paper, markers, crayons, etc

• Food for middle/high school pantry program – granola bars, cereal pods, single-serve microwavable meals, jerky, nuts, dried fruit, etc

• Diapers – any size, boxed or not

Monetary donations are also welcome – "and in fact, your dollar goes further since your donation can unlock a significant $50,000 matching donation,"  said AIO. "Any donation amount is greatly appreciated, but the following are levels designed to fit your budget:"

• $30 for Back-to-School Supplies – backpack and supplies for 1 elementary school student

• $50 for Weekend Meals – feed an elementary student for a quarter

• $75 for After School Snacks – feed 125 elementary school children during their YMCA-sponsored, after-school program for a day

• $100 for Diapers - provides enough diapers for a child for one month

Sponsors are Maine State Credit Union, the event’s Marquee Sponsor; Partner sponsor: J. Edward Knight Insurance; Champion sponsors: Back Cove Yachts and Quirk Auto Group, and Business Sponsor: The Tailored Closet.

For more information and to make a donation online please visit aiofoodpantry.org/strand-back-to-school. 

"Whether an in-kind or monetary gift, your support will help the people in our community who need it the most," said AIO.

Food collection sites have been established at area businesses and will be available starting July 1, including the Strand Theatre (Rockland), Hot Hill Tavern (Thomaston), Camden National Bank (Rockland and Camden), Grasshopper Shop (Rockland), First National Bank (Rockland branches), Staples (Rockland), Maine State Credit Union (Rockland), Eastern Tire (Rockland), and AIO Food and Energy Assistance (Rockland). 

On Friday, August 7, AIO staff and volunteers will be at the Strand Theatre from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to accept school snacks, school supplies and financial donations. Drive-up and drop-off service will be available or come in the Strand Theatre, located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.

"AIO is proud to partner with two business leaders who are instrumental in making this event possible: the Strand Theatre who hosts the annual Fill the Strand winter event and Maine State Credit Union, who has been dedicated to help end food insecurity in Maine for the past 33 years."

This year Frank 106.9FM will be broadcasting live throughout the event from under the Strand marquee. 

For more information about the event and how you can participate please contact Alan Kearl at alan@aiofoodpantry.com or event coordinator Leila Murphy at murphy.leila@gmail.com. 

Now in our 36th year, AIO Food and Energy Assistance 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. During the past year, AIO has supported over 2,400 unique households, which is more than 13% of Knox County. AIO has distributed more than 100,000 meals and snacks to students through its Weekend Meals Program. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps about 1,800 households/year with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.