December 16, 2016 – The Maine Lobster Festival’s Board of Directors has donated a total of $5,500 to five local organizations.

Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry

For 26 years, AIO has been entirely run by volunteers. The organization offers emergency assistance for heating, evictions, and supports the Weekend Backpack program that sends food home with students for the weekend. Sherry Cobb accepted the donation of $1,500 on behalf of the food pantry. Presented by Sharon Lombardo.

Rockland Professional Firefighters Local 1584

They will be purchasing a training tool for Knox County that will allow firefighters to practice forcible entry into buildings. The equipment will be housed in Rockland and available for all Knox County fire and law enforcement agencies. Carl Anderson, President of Rockland Professional Firefighters Local 1584, accepted the $1,500 donation. Presented by Sharon Lombardo.

Knox County Recovery Coalition

This non-profit was formed seven months ago in response to the opiate addiction affecting Knox County. In Knox County alone, 10 percent of the population is addicted to opiates. The coalition’s biggest priority is prevention and getting people the treatment they need. Dr. Ira Mandell accepted the $1,500 donation on behalf of the coalition. Presented by Sharon Lombardo.

63 Washington Street

This organization provides a safe and comfortable environment for senior citizens at an affordable cost. It is a fully licensed Level 3 Residential Care residence in Camden, and also runs a food pantry for the elderly. Bob Oxton accepted the $1,250 donation. Presented by Sharon Lombardo.

Boats For Bikes

A group of seven students from Oceanside High School, along with local lobstermen, buy bikes for local kids whose parents can’t afford them. Last year they donated 92 bikes, and are hoping to triple that number this year. Paul Desaulniers and several students accepted the $1,250 donation. Presented by Sharon Lombardo.

The Maine Lobster Festival donates to many local charities and community organizations throughout the year. We were honored to offer our support for these organizations in December 2016.