When the sun sets and the holiday lights sparkle, the peninsula is a festive place. But the festivity can obscure a very real need some area families face for basic services. With a local poverty rate of 12.6%  according to Data USA, concerned residents have created charitable organizations to help neighbors.  

These organizations work quietly throughout the year to put food on tables, clothe residents, heat homes, feed schoolchildren, shelter veterans, keep family pets alive, deliver free medical equipment and provide a long list of goods and services otherwise out of reach for more than one in every eight people living here. 

In addition to the charities listed below, other area nonprofits would welcome a donation or your time and effort to help with their work.

Many organizations will accept donations via their websites. And if you’d like to donate throughout the year, consider signing up for Amazon Smile, which gives part of your Amazon spending to the charity of your choice. Find more information at https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/how-to-sign-up-for-amazonsmile

Boothbay Region Food Pantry

Provides a week's supply of food to families in need. Donations of non-perishable foods accepted, supplemented by contributions from Hannaford Super Markets, local schools, the YMCA and other local organizations. Open every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accessed from the parking lot behind Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, Townsend Avenue. Contact 350-2962. Send donations to: P.O. Box 63, East Boothbay, ME 04544.

Boothbay V.E.T.S. Inc. (Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter)

Provides safe, secure short-term shelters for homeless veterans who do not have immediate access to shelter. Each trailer is equipped with a bed, microwave and refrigerator. Contact 252-9310. To donate: P.O. Box 402, East Boothbay, ME 04544.  https://boothbayvets.weebly.com/contact.html

Maine Veterans in Need (MVN)

Assistance for homeless and other veterans in need when official organizations cannot be reached or cannot provide assistance. MVN can quickly provide a hotel room, Hannaford food cards, Irving gas cards, Trac phone cards and other temporary assistance. Relies solely on donations. Contact David Patch 751-5672. To donate: Send check for MVN to P.O. Box 264, Brunswick 04011

Boothbay Region Meals on Wheels

Volunteers deliver meals between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday for home-based clients unable to take care of their own nutritional needs. A volunteer-run operation not affiliated with the federal program, Meals on Wheels charges $5 per meal and $2.50 for those who cannot afford the full price. Contact Pat Wheeler at 350-6754. To donate: Send checks for Boothbay Region Meals on Wheels to Peggy Peters, 82 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

 Durable Medical Equipment Program (The Community Center) 

This program provides free durable medical equipment to area residents. Equipment includes canes, wheel chairs, hospital beds, Hoyer and other lifts and much more. The equipment can be obtained from The Community Center or Nathan’s Pharmacy, both in the Meadow Mall. Contact Shawn Lewin at 478-5874 to donate used medical equipment.

Action for Animals

Helps people in desperate need of financial assistance to pay for their pet’s medical care. Also provides pet food in emergency situations. Contact 350-1312. To donate: P.O. Box 238, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. https://www.actionforanimalsmaine.com/

Rebuilding Together

Volunteers work together to help homeowners with repairs they are not financially or physically able to make to keep their homes safe and warm and to keep them living independently. Both skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed. Contact 380-5719. To donate:  P.O. Box 22, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. https://www.rebuildingtogether-lc.org

Free Clothing Closet

A program of Boothbay Region Cooperative Parish, the free clothing closet is behind First United Methodist Church of Boothbay Harbor and opens to those in need on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Clothing may be left in the container behind the church at 81 Townsend Ave. Contact: 633-2131. Donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 641, Boothbay Harbor, ME  04538.

Boothbay Region District Nursing Association

Since 1952, the District Nurse has provided area residents with individualized nursing support not generally covered by health insurance, so patients can remain safely in their homes. These services are coordinated with the physician and include medication management, blood pressure screenings, lab work and more. Charge of $10 per visit unless patients are unable to pay. Contact 633-5533. To donate: P.O. Box 554, Boothbay, ME 04537.

 Boothbay Region Healthcare

Provides a range of healthcare and wellness programs for area residents and visitors six days per week through its facility in the Meadow Mall.  Boothbay Region Healthcare provides family medicine, acute care, preventive care, pediatric care and women’s healthcare among other services. Contact 633-1075. Donations can be sent to: 185 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. https://boothbayhealthcare.org/

Community Resource Council 

Provides information, referrals and resources to local people in need through its community navigator and other programs, among which are:

The Fuel Fund - Assistance and referrals for home heating needs from November 15–April 15.

The Woodchucks – A “wood bank” which supplies firewood at little to no cost to low income people and families who rely on firewood as a heating source.  

Food For Thought - nutritious, child-friendly, easily accessible healthy snacks for families in need are delivered by volunteers to area homes every Friday.

Contact 633-6272. Donations can be sent to:  P.O. Box 43, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538

Community Navigator

A free and confidential service designed to help families on the peninsula meet essential needs by connecting community members to available resources. Contact 350-1743 or email: hannah.corkum@crcboothbay.org. Learn more at https://youtu.be/WJKA1V58Nbk