With colder weather approaching and approximately 900 Knox County residents experiencing homelessness annually, the Penobscot Bay YMCA and Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships are issuing a call for winter wear and other donations as part of the 3rd annual Harvesting Hope initiative.

Harvesting Hope is a free community event designed to support unhoused and housing-insecure neighbors in Knox County by providing a hot meal, winter essentials, clothing, hygiene supplies, and connections to local resource providers, all in one place.

To better serve neighbors in need, this year’s program is shifting to a pop-up model. Instead of a single standalone gathering, Harvesting Hope will take essential supplies directly to community members during two mid-November pop-up events held alongside established meal services at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Meeting neighbors directly where they already gather ensures immediate, dignified access to winter gear, hot meals, and local resources providers.

Donation Timeframe and Drop-Off Locations

To prepare for the mid-November pop-ups, community members are urged to drop off donations between October 13 and November 6.

Collection bins are located in the main lobbies of both YMCA branches:

• Penobscot Bay YMCA: 116 Union St, Rockport
• Rockland YMCA: 12 Water St, Rockland

Items Needed

• Gently Used or New: Heavy winter coats, outerwear, hats, gloves, scarves, thermal socks, winter boots, warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.
• New Items Only: Socks, underwear, and personal hygiene products.
• Please Note: Children's clothing will not be accepted this year.

How Else to Help

Volunteers are actively needed to assist with sorting donations, food preparation, and event setup. Any items remaining after the pop-up events will be distributed directly to trusted local service partner agencies.

About Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships

Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships (PBCHP), a coalition led by the Community Health Promotion branch of the Penobscot Bay YMCA, serves Knox and Waldo counties to support healthier living in Maine. This grant-funded community health promotion department of the YMCA provides free community programming for youth and adults addressing substance use prevention, tobacco use prevention and cessation, and nutrition education.

For more information on donating, volunteering, or supporting this effort, contact Jamie Lovley at jlovley@penbayymca.org or 207-236-6313 ext. 1.

  About the Penobscot Bay YMCA:
 The Penobscot Bay YMCA is a charitable, mission-driven organization committed to strengthening    the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.   The Y provides financial assistance to ensure all are welcome, and proudly serves 11,000 individuals annually throughout the Midcoast. Learn more at www.penbayymca.org.