BATH

A diverse group of volunteers is helping make sure the Bath Area Food Bank’s new location is ship-shape before it opens.

It was all hands on deck getting to work Saturday — including community members, crew from the USS Thomas Hudnor and 10 former Miss Maine’s — at 807 Middle St. The food bank recently closed on its new location, formerly the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Director Kimberly Gates said the building still needs electrical work and kitchen repairs before the new location can open — but she didn’t have to look far for volunteers to help paint the building.

The eclectic group painted over the old multicolor scheme, and gave the inside a fresh coat of paint. Gates said about half of the labor that’s gone into the new building has been donated.

She expressed gratitude for the support as she watched the volunteers Saturday morning.

“The former Misses have been incredible,” said Gates.

For the women who have taken part in the Miss Maine events, connecting with each other while helping the community is a big part of life after pageants. There is an annual summer gathering, and they remain active in service through the Miss America State Titleholders Association.

“We have a sorority around the country thats about 1,000 women that are former state title holders,” said Crooker Clemens. “Everything about being Miss Maine is about community service. We continue that many years after.”

The group of title holders Saturday included the 1968 Miss Maine and a former Miss Connecticut that made the trip to assist with the project.

“It’s a sisterhood that carries on years later,” said Lorine Zdanowski of Connecticut. “Connecting with people and sharing a common bond, and community service is definitely a part of what we do, it’s been fun.”

The current Miss Maine — Olivia Mayo — also was on hand; she said the group has been a support system for her as she has prepared for the national competition in September.

“I mean literally the second after I was crowned, they were all there,” she said as she took a break from her work to reflect on the bond she has already formed with her new friends. “There are girls who work in different ways, this is just a few of them, everyone stays a part of the community.”

Target date

Gates is targeting Aug. 2 for re-opening the food bank, but noted it will depend on getting the need electrical work done and inspections. Once the building opens, it will mean the re-opening of the organization’s soup kitchen, which serves about 80-100 people per day.

If more volunteer hours are needed to get it done, Gates she has a lot of people on whom she can rely.

“We have several board members here today,” she said. “I have one of the most active boards I’ve ever had.”