Providing help and creating hope in Maine
Presque Isle, ME – Catholic Charities Maine’s (CCM) Hunger and Relief Services has received two donations totaling $7,500 from the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge No. 1954. Members of the Elks Lodge have also volunteered with CCM’s local food box distribution for more than 21 months consecutively.
The first donation of $5,500 came in early March and was followed by another $2,000 that arose when a shortage of housing in the Presque Isle area meant that grant funding allocated to assist previously homeless veterans find permanent housing had to be redirected. The Presque Isle Elks obtained authority to use the funding to address growing food insecurity in this area, which affects thousands of military veterans.
Dixie Shaw, area director of CCM’s Hunger and Relief Services and member of Elks Lodge No. 1954, said, “We appreciate these generous donations and the many, many hours of time from the Presque Isle Elks. We are experiencing a time of increasing needs - especially among seniors and older veterans - for food assistance.”
This donation will be used for Catholic Charities’ food assistance programs in the region and will help those who find themselves in need of food assistance for the first time, as food and gas prices increase.
“The motto of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is, “Elks care, Elks share,” which is why our members regularly volunteer with CCM’s Hunger and Relief Services’ monthly food distribution operations,” said Reuben Caron, Exalted Ruler of the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge 1954. “We observe the tireless efforts of Dixie Shaw, and we make these donations with an appreciation of that work, as well as for the continuing need to address growing food insecurity, which affects thousands, including many military veterans, in our region.”
Photo Information:
who participated in the monthly Senior Commodities food box distribution on March 3, 2022. From left to right are Dana York, Nita Theriault, Terry Plummer, Dixie Shaw of CCM, Reuben Caron, Lodge No. 1954 Exalted Ruler, Gregory Daniels, Lodge No. 1954 Treasurer, and Jean Jackson.© 2024 Catholic Charities Maine
