NSB Makes $2,000 Donation to Harrison Food Bank at Holidays

HARRISON—Norway Savings Bank was pleased to present the Harrison Food Bank with a $2,000 donation as part of NSB’s “Holiday Helping Hands” initiative. In recent weeks, NSB has dropped off surprise donations to many local nonprofits in Maine and New Hampshire in gratitude for their impact and to give them an extra boost at the holidays.

Serving more than 40,000 pounds of groceries to around 1,000 families per week only begins to tell the story of the Harrison Food Bank.

The Food Bank, which is located on 176 Waterford Road (Route 35), is open each Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m., but the list of community needs the food bank meets could fill pages. In addition to offering food assistance at no cost, the organization provides snacks to three local elementary schools for children who don’t have any at recess, assists homeless individuals at Bridgton Recovery Center, makes nearly 400 home deliveries of food each week, and now operates the Ronald St. John Community Center, located in the town’s former VFW building. There is even dog and cat food at the ready.

Achieving all of this with a band of committed volunteers is remarkable, doing so while treating each person served with respect while preserving dignity is an act of pure compassion. It’s a labor of love that stretches from the drive-up lines on Tuesday nights to serving over 1,200 families at Thanksgiving to collecting Christmas gifts and spreading joy. It’s an effort that has inspired Norway Savings Bank for years, including more than $18,000 in support over the last three years.

“The need and Harrison Food Bank’s response to it are equal parts humbling and awe-inspiring,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “The work of Harrison Food Bank strengthens our community and is guided by an appreciation for our common humanity and the inherent worth of each individual.”

“People are very generous. We couldn’t help so many without the support of NSB, which is truly a hometown bank,” said Sandy Swett, Executive Director of the Harrison Food Bank. “We thank everyone for believing in us and supporting the mission which helps end food insecurity and serves our communities.”

There are so many ways to assist the food bank, including volunteering, donating, or driving. For more information, call 207-647-3384, visit www.harrisonfoodbank.com/donate, or email [email protected].