Freeport Community Services (FCS) has been providing critical support to the communities of Freeport and Pownal since 1974. As we lead up to our signature White Nights celebration on Jan. 23, 2016, we have partnered with the Tri-Town Weekly for the third year in a row to “Shine the Light” on some of the friends of FCS who make such a difference in our community.

The first sound you hear when you step into the Food Pantry at Freeport Community Services on a Monday morning is quite often laughter – gales of laughter.

“It is really fun,” said Bob Dixon, with a grin.

There are many jobs to do in the pantry – delivering food from local merchants, sorting and putting items on the shelves, preparing home-delivery boxes, checking in patrons, or helping them select items. The volunteers who come in on Monday morning are a tight-knit group.

“You feel like you belong with this family. It is uplifting,” said Gunta Banks.

Rita Esta agreed. “It is like a home away from home. People are really friendly here,” she said.

Terry Hutchinson has been volunteering at FCS for 23 years.

“It is really fulfilling work,” said Hutchinson. “People come in and are flabbergasted by what we offer, and by the amount of hours we are open. We have exceptional offerings between the thrift store and food pantry. They thank us for making them feel welcome and for being so friendly.”

Laura Cyr has volunteered so long at FCS she “can’t remember how many years it has been.” She explained, “I came to FCS because I have always felt blessed, and I wanted to give back. I like connecting with the community. I have met everyone I know through the Community Center.”

New volunteers are welcomed every day. Polly Brann recently retired from a career in education. While she has lived in Freeport for many years, this is her “first chance to give back” to her hometown community.

On this Monday, she and Jeff Marshall were filling in for Conde Shallard and Betty Clark, who have the regular Monday morning shift behind the counter. Jeff described one of the reasons why he volunteers.

“This is my winter fitness program – a great way to stay in shape,” he said.

David Curtis agreed and added, “I just like to help out.”

Hutchinson, the self-described “ringleader” of this merry bunch, chimed in with the last word: “I love the Monday crew.”

Enriching lives, connecting neighbors and helping those in need – this is the mission of Freeport Community Services. We are grateful to the pantry’s Monday morning crew, and to all of our 600 volunteers, for being such good friends of FCS.

If you would like to volunteer, contact Debbie Daggett, volunteer coordinator, at 865-3985, ext. 206, or ddaggett@fcsmaine.org.

Volunteers at the Food Pantry at Freeport Community Services include, from left, back, Jeff Marshall, Polly Brann, Bob Dixon and David Curtis. Front, Gunta Banks, Terry Hutchinson, Laura Cyr and Rita Esta. Not pictured are Conde Shallard and Betty Clark.