BELFAST — The Waldo County YMCA (WCY) is collecting donations of canned goods, grains and pasta, and personal hygiene supplies for RSU 71, RSU 20, and RSU 3 schools. Drop off your donation at the WCY, 157 Lincolnville Ave, anytime in February or visit the WCY Bus on Friday, February 16 at the Belfast Hannaford between 1 and 3 p.m.

“Last year, we delivered more than 800lbs of desperately needed supplies to schools. This year, the need is even greater,” said Jan McIntyre, WCY Volunteer Coordinator and organizer of the drive, in a news release. “Our monthly food drives have been very successful, especially when they are for the schools.”

According to a 2021 white paper in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Converging research indicates that household food insecurity impedes children from reaching their full physical, cognitive, and psychosocial potential.” To hungry students, that means they have other things distracting them from what school offers, according to WCY. Food donated to the school pantries alleviates some of these distractions. For some students, school is the place they know they can find a square meal. The school pantries give them access to food on weekdays. Weekend Backpacks, filled with nutritious items for the student and their families, provide food security when school is out of session.

Since 2020, when the monthly drives began, the WCY has distributed more than 10,000lbs of food and $7,500 in cash donations to Waldo County food pantries. WCY members often bring in boxes or cans on their way to work out.

“Our membership takes ‘community’ seriously,” said Russell Werkman, CEO. “They see the WCY as a community hub where they can make an impact on everyone’s health, not just their own.”

About the WCY

The WCY serves Waldo County as the hub for healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. In May of 1977, the WCY was created as a force for good in the community. It became a standalone 501(c)3 charitable organization in 1995. Since then, the WCY has cemented itself as a cornerstone of Waldo County, providing opportunities for those from every walk of life to achieve better wellness and find belonging in a supportive, accepting community.