Beyond the Headlines: Stuff the Bus

Food; we need it, we want it, we love it, but it is something that you or I might not have to think too much about in terms of getting it.

Most of us go to the grocery store, pick out of the items that are on sale and check out. For many people in our community, this isn’t a ritual they are used to. There are people who, instead of the grocery store, get their necessities at the Saco Food Pantry or even one of the soup kitchens in the area.

I’ve volunteered at one of the soup kitchens before and let me tell you, it will open your eyes to the need right in our own community that you might not be used to seeing. We tend to hear about destitute places in the world, but there are people here in our own country, in our own city, who need our help.

This Saturday, in conjunction with Rotary International’s World Peace and Understanding Day, there will be an opportunity to do your part. A Stuff the Bus Food Drive is taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The following is a list of some of the items needed: soup, tuna, canned vegetables, peanut butter, juice, apple sauce, cereal, granola, pasta, sauce, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap.

During your Saturday morning grocery store run, please stop by the food drive in the Shaw’s parking lot at 4 Scammon St. in Saco and stuff the bus for those most in need of a simple meal.

Justin Chenette is the state representative for district 134 in Saco. You can get legislative updates about the work out of the 126th Legislature at www.justinchenette.com, Facebook.com/justinforsaco, and Twitter.com/ justinchenette.