PORTLAND, ME – December 8, 2022 – The Mariners delivered 350 pounds of non-perishable food items to the South Portland Food Cupboard this week, completing the first leg of the 2022-23 Community Collection program, presented by Jordan’s Furniture. The Mariners asked fans to donate items for the food cupboard at each of the nine home games in October and November.
“We are so thankful that the Maine Mariners and their fans have stepped up to help beat hunger this season,” said Dwayne Hopkins, Executive Director of the South Portland Food Cupboard. “When it seems like you’re playing short-handed it’s wonderful to have a strong powerplay and this year’s food drive was exactly that. With 350 pounds of food donated we can stand strong in the face of food insufficiency. Thank you for your efforts in supporting the mission of ‘Feeding Neighbors in Need.’”
A large portion of the proceeds came from the Thanksgiving Eve Drive held before the November 23rd game against Reading. Jordan’s Furniture gave away a four pack of ropes course passes to the first five people who brought five items or more.
“350 pounds of food provides 350 meals,” added Hopkins. “As a matter of fact, the variety of food brought in through this food drive truly provides for those 350 meals.”
The South Portland Food Cupboard, established in 1997, is celebrating 25 years of “Feeding Neighbors in Need”. Thanks to volunteers and donors, they have been able to be a strong presence in South Portland as well as other municipalities in Cumberland and York Counties, serving over 12,000 people in 2021. They are on track to serve over 20,000 this year.
The Community Collection program continues with a toy drive for the Marine Toys for Tots and Holden Police Department at all games in the months of December and January. On December 4th, over 1,000 stuffed animals were collected for the organizations in the annual Teddy Bear Toss. In the months of February, March, and April, the Mariners will collect personal hygiene items for “Through these Doors,” a Portland-based domestic violence resource & advocacy group. There will also be an underwear & sports bra toss at the February 19th game, benefitting Preble Street. For more information on the Community Collection program, presented by Jordan’s Furniture, click here.
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