Community Giving & Support: How You Can Make a Difference This Winter

As winter tightens its grip on the Penobscot Valley, the spirit of community giving and support becomes more crucial than ever.

 

Food Assistance: Local food pantries are experiencing a surge in demand.

 

Bangor & Nearby

• Ecumenical Food Cupboard - Food Distribution Center – Provides food distribution in Bangor; check local hours and availability.

• Salvation Army — Bangor Food Pantry – Pantry and supplemental food support available; call ahead for details.

• Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Food Pantry — Pantry items and to-go meals available (soup kitchen daily).

Brewer & Surrounding Communities

• OHI Brewer Area Food Pantry – Supplies food to residents in Brewer and nearby towns.

• Hampden Neighborhood Food Cupboard - Food Pantry – Hampden-based pantry serving local residents.

• Blue Cross Food Cupboard - Food Pantry – Lagrange’s local pantry with regular distribution hours.

Old Town / Indian Island

• Penobscot Nation Food Pantry – Offers weekly food distributions and emergency assistance; donations appreciated.

• Caring Community Cupboard (Old Town) – Community pantry serving the Old Town area.

• Crossroads Ministries Food Pantry (Old Town) – Local pantry resource; contact directly for hours.

Additional Penobscot County Pantries

• Lincoln Regional Food Cupboard - Food Distribution Center – Regular food distribution in Lincoln.

• Safe Place Food Pantry – Pantry in Corinth serving the wider county.

• Burlington Food Pantry – Serves families in the Burlington area of Penobscot County.

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📌 Quick Tips for Readers

• Many pantries have scheduled distribution days/times and may require photo ID or proof of residency.

• Call ahead or visit the pantry’s website/social page for the most current hours and protocols.

Donations can be dropped off during operating hours.

 

Blood Donations: Winter weather and seasonal illnesses often lead to blood shortages.

 

If you're eligible, consider scheduling a blood donation to help ensure hospitals have the supplies they need.

Blood Donation in Bangor

American Red Cross Blood Donation Center – The American Red Cross operates the primary blood donation center in Bangor, offering opportunities for local residents to donate blood that supports hospitals and patients across the region. The center plays an ongoing role in helping maintain blood supplies, and appointments can be made through the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

📍 Location: 900B Hammond Street, Bangor, ME 04401
📞 Schedule/Info: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to book a donation appointment.

Typical donation hours at this location are (may vary seasonally):

• Tuesday–Thursday: ~11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Saturday: ~8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Closed: Sundays, Mondays, Fridays (confirm current schedule before you go).

💡 Why donate? The Red Cross frequently reports a critical need for donated blood — supplies run low due to fewer drives and high demand from hospitals. Donations are vital for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatment, and more.

 

Every donation is vital and can save lives.

 

Volunteer Support: Many community organizations rely on volunteers year-round.

 

From meal programs to senior services, even a few hours can make a meaningful difference.

 

For instance, the Penobscot Valley Kennel Club's Dog Food Pantry Program repackages and delivers dog food donations to local food pantries, assisting low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the homeless in feeding their pets.

 

Volunteers are always needed to support such initiatives.

 

Winter Preparedness Support: Checking in on neighbors, especially older adults and those with limited mobility, remains an important way to support community safety during colder weather.

 

Ensuring they have adequate heating, food, and medical supplies can prevent emergencies.

 

By participating in these community giving and support efforts, you can help make the Penobscot Valley a warmer and more caring place for everyone this winter.