As the weather gets warmer, and the pandemic remains present and challenging for many, Health Equity Alliance announces its Summer Gear Drive event to support unhoused and under-resourced community members in Bangor, Down East, and Midcoast Maine. Collection for the Summer Gear Drive is ongoing through Sunday, May 16.

Health Equity Alliance is collecting items for Summer Care Bags, with requested donations of: NEW sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, deodorant, nonperishable and easy-to-carry food items, hats and socks, and other small items to keep friends and neighbors safe in the heat.

Summertime and its accompanying heat present a unique set of challenges for unhoused individuals, including dehydration, exhaustion, sun poisoning, and other weather-related difficulties. These items will go to clients of HEAL and community members in need as available.

Items may be dropped off at HEAL’s Bangor office at 304 Hancock Street, Suite 3B between the hours of 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays), or at HEAL’s other locations during hours of operation.  

Contact-free donations can be made through an Amazon Wishlist found here.

All donations will be sent to HEAL’s Bangor office. 

Items will be distributed to those in need on Monday, May 24 at all HEAL locations, including Bangor, Rockland, Ellsworth, Belfast, Machias, and Calais. Bags will be first come, first serve.