Freeport Community Services has been celebrating our 40 years of service to the communities of Freeport and Pownal in special ways throughout 2014. As we lead up to our signature White Nights celebration on Jan. 24, 2015, we have partnered with the Tri-Town Weekly to “Shine the Light” on many of our programs and services that have helped people throughout our four decades. In the last article of this series, we highlight longtime residents who have chosen these last few months to begin volunteering with FCS, and for White Nights.

Staci Olson, a Freeport resident for 10 years, heard about Freeport Community Services when her son’s preschool hosted a food drive for the FCS pantry. Yet until a friend asked her to help out with White Nights 2015, the signature fundraising event for FCS, she had not been a volunteer.

“As a volunteer I have had a chance to learn about the extensive support that Freeport Community Services gives to our community,” said Olson. “I knew they did a lot, but since learning more I have been so impressed with the dedication of the staff and the overall impact that this organization can have on so many people on a regular basis.” She added, “I love living in a small town where people can truly feel a connection and I think FCS helps nurture that feeling.”

Sarah Jacobs, another longtime resident and first-time volunteer, agreed. Last summer, her children participated in the Freeport Community Services camp scholarship program, which she said “helped to relieve the stress and allowed my kids to have a great experience while I worked.”

Thus, when Jacobs was asked to serve on the White Nights Auction Committee, she knew she would say yes.

“The auction committee took me out of my comfort zone but let me see how supportive and generous my community is. Plus knowing that my effort will help someone else down the road is worth the time and effort.”

Jacobs also noted that Freeport Community Services “not only provides help to people of all socioeconomic levels,” but also “allows people from varied socioeconomic levels to work together to give back to FCS. Hence a stronger community is created.”

Marc Miller, a resident of Freeport since 1982, echoed Jacobs’ comments. Miller joined the Board of Directors of Freeport Community Services in November as a new volunteer for FCS, and noted that “White Nights, in addition to being a significant fundraiser for FCS, also serves the purpose of bringing Freeport citizens together.” This then “facilitates communication and networking between folks in town who might not otherwise encounter each other.”

John Donnelly, another new volunteer and board member, added, “The reach across the community is impressive, spanning all age groups and needs.”

Donnelly, who has lived in Freeport for 35 years, “likes the fact the organization is very visible within the community and is always present when there is an ongoing need or emergency.”

He joined FCS this fall as he “felt I would like to help advance the group’s mission.”

For Stephanie LeMieux, attending last year’s White Nights gala and hearing about the impact of the services offered by Freeport Community Services, inspired her to serve on the 2015 White Nights Committee.

“I was incredibly moved by the number of people in my community who depended upon the services FCS offered,” said this 10-year resident of Freeport. “Families, tucked away in our rural community, lacking simple things like food and heat, and not having the ability to send their kids to summer camp – it all just compelled me to want to give back.”

For LeMieux, “it really does ‘take a village’ to ensure all are healthy, happy and well cared for. The White Nights event helps to drive this notion home for me.”

Valerie Geredien, a new member of the White Nights Committee and Freeport Community Services board member, stated simply that “being part of the FCS community has become a very important aspect of my life. Lately I find when anyone asks what I do, I lead with my involvement in FCS as a volunteer and board member. Neighbor helping neighbor, a chance to make a difference and an easy path to new friendships.”

Geredien encouraged people to come to White Nights and noted, “Hundreds of volunteers, donors, sponsors and community supporters join forces to create an unforgettable night.”

Many thanks to our White Nights sponsors for underwriting these stories: Bath Savings Bank, Curtis Thaxter, Goodwin Motor Group, H.M. Payson, Bayview Pediatrics, Brown Goldsmiths, Cartmell and Associates at Keller Williams Realty, Clark Insurance, FreeportUSA, Frost Gully Violins, Remax Heritage/Polly Nichols, Taggart Construction, Warren Construction and Zachau Construction.