County Democrats, groups donate to Penquis backpack program
Through a community effort, the Piscataquis County Democrats donated backpacks and school supplies plus checks totaling $1,000 to Penquis for the “We’ve Got Your Back” program.
This Piscataquis County Democratic Committee service project was given a big boost when the Piscataquis County Retired Educators Association gave $250 and challenged other groups and businesses to do the same. Other groups stepped up with the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church donating $250 and the PCDC Service Committee giving $250, as well. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft gave $100 and Northwoods Canoe Co. gave $150. The total then reached $1,000.
BACKPACK PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS — From left, Linda Howard presents a check on behalf of Piscataquis County Retired Educators Association and Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church to Lisa Adkins of Penquis for the “We’ve Got Your Back” program as does Gail Gail D’Agostino of the Piscataquis County Democratic Committee and Unitarian Universalist Church of Sangerville/Dover-Foxcroft and Andrea Thurlow Northwoods Canoe Co.
Besides the monetary contribution, the PCDC Service Committee collected many backpacks along with school supplies to give to Penquis. Lisa Adkins came to the PCDC office to accept these donations on behalf of Penquis. She was overwhelmed by the support from our community!
Adkins relayed that this year they already have 1,500 students requesting backpacks and supplies. The Penquis “We’ve Got Your Back” project takes money plus much time and effort. She already has a group that has offered to stuff all the backpacks with supplies. Adkins added that all the work is well worth it when they see the joy in the children’s eyes when they select their new backpacks for school. Thanks go out to all the individuals and groups that helped with our project and especially to the retired teachers, who Jump started our project with $250 plus the challenge to others.
Penquis’ “We’ve Got Your Back” program is designed to help ease some of the financial burden facing families and provides students K-12 living in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties with backpacks and school supplies. Your contribution of any amount will help a child start the school year off with added confidence and excitement they need for success. If you would like to contribute to this worthy project, please send checks to: Penquis at 262 Harlow Street, Bangor ME, 04401. Attn: WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.