Thank you for helping

To the Editor:

This is the time of year that reminds me that I am glad and proud to be a member of a small community and small community church which does great deeds.

As a member of the United Parish Congregational Church Deacon for many years, I am continually amazed at the support that our small congregation, local residents and community groups give to help those in need.

This year was no exception. With the help of the Seventh Day Adventist Harrison Food Pantry, we were able to provide 60 families with Thanksgiving boxes. Many thanks go to Barbara Merrill from the Harrison Food Pantry for helping to coordinate most of the family names, and for the Oxford Hannaford in having the food ready for pick up.

Thank you to the Deacons who called these families to confirm a pick up time and location, to the volunteers from the Food Pantry and United Parish who helped on November 17 to pick up and distribute the food, and to all of our donors from the United Parish and community who gave generously to the Deacons Fund including the United Parish Ladies Circle, Harrison VFW, and Harrison Rebekahs. Thank you to Pietree Orchard for donating all the apples.

Because of a fire at our church this year, we were resigned to not having our Christmas in Harrison breakfast which was to benefit the Deacons Fund. This Fund not only helps those in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also helps with fuel assistance requests.

Chris Searles very graciously offered the Olde Mill Tavern to have our breakfast on December 1. The decorations and Christmas music put everyone in a festive mood and the dining room was full most of the time. Words cannot express our thanks for his generosity and his staff in helping that day to make this breakfast a reality, as well as to Doug and Paula Holt and Patrick and Krista Marceau, our cooks and organizers!

Thank you to everyone who helped that day, who donated food, and who came to enjoy a delicious breakfast. It was such a HUGE success, we are planning to have it there again next year!

I apologize if I missed anyone, but much thanks also goes to the following for helping with these events: Allan Denison, Sam and Helen Sampson, Heather Stewart, Crystal McKay, Phil and Dianne Jackson, John diPretoro, Joanne Sullivan, Bev Martin, Franklin Anderson, Bob Holden, Phil Denison, Rick and Kaye Sykes, Ed and Cindy Soucy, Gerry and Elaine Smith, Madelyn Buck, Dalton Myers, Penny O’Neil and another food pantry volunteer (sorry, I forgot her name).

We will be sending out 62 Hannaford food cards before Christmas to needy families. Working together to help others is truly the “Reason for the Season” and the real meaning of Christmas.

Blessings and many thanks to all of you for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Martha Holden

Deacon and Moderator

United Parish Congregational Church

Harrison and North Bridgton