FREEPORT

Freeport Community Services staff, board members and volunteers will be outside downtown for eight hours Saturday, raising awareness of poverty, hunger and the need for services for the most vulnerable residents of Freeport and Pownal.

The 13th annual FCS Freeze Out will take place at several downtown location from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FCS staff will collect non-perishable food and personal care items, as well as financial gifts.

Volunteers will be at First Parish Church Congregational Church at 40 Main St. and throughout the downtown area, including Bow Street Market.

A “Stuff the Bus” campaign is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shaw’s Supermarket in Freeport.

FCS Events & Communications Director Nancy Trottier said the Freeze Out allows people to help one another.

Last year, FCS collected more than $9,500 in donations and sponsorships and nearly 3,000 pounds of food.

“We truly believe that it is because of everyone’s support that we are able to fulfill our mission and we are amazed at the community’s efforts,” FCS Executive Director Paula Paladino said in a statement.

Contact Trottier at 207-865-3985, ext. 220 or ntrottier@fcsmaine.org for more information.

How to help

• COLLECT NON-PERISHABLE FOOD or personal care items and drop them off at Freeport Community Services, 53 Depot St., on Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at the First Parish Church at 40 Main Street on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• MAKE A FINANCIAL GIFT or collect donations for Freeport Community Services. Donations may be dropped off during the Freeze Out at the First Parish Church from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 or at FCS by 4 p.m. on Feb. 17.

lconnell@timesrecord.com