FREEPORT — Norway Savings Bank recently presented Freeport Community Services with a $10,000 donation to help provide critical services for residents of Freeport and Pownal.

Freeport Community Services (FCS) continues to see a rise in requests for assistance through its basic support programs. In the past year, for example, FCS has seen a 33 percent increase in the number of summer lunches served to at-risk children and a 22 percent increase in the number of families applying for fuel assistance.

FCS relies on donations from individuals, businesses, the United Way, and municipalities to fund its many programs.

“We are proud to support Freeport Community Services’ mission of providing financial assistance and basic support services to those who need it most,” said Patricia Weigel, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank.

FCS is celebrating its 40th year of providing direct services, such as emergency food, fuel, clothing and utility assistance. In addition to emergency assistance, FCS operates a medical equipment loan closet, arranges transportation for medical appointments, administers children’s literacy and camp scholarship programs, and operates the Freeport Community Center.

FCS collaborates with many community partners to address not only short-term needs, but also to provide solutions to longterm problems.

“The increasing need for financial assistance and basic support programs in Freeport and Pownal makes funding from community partners like Norway Savings Bank critical to the sustainability of our programs,” said Melanie Sachs, executive director of Freeport Community Services. “We also rely on the generosity of over 600 volunteers, including many from Norway Savings Bank, to contribute hundreds of hours of their time through work at the food pantry, thrift shop, and other FCS programs and events.”