NORWAY — South Paris community member and folk artist, Linda Richardson, recently presented Stephens Memorial Hospital Food Pantry with a gift of $1,240 to benefit community members in need.

Recognizing the year has been a challenging one for many families in our community, Linda Richardson wanted to make a difference this holiday season. With leftover barn board pieces from her husband Jeff’s projects, she created winter tree ‘folk art’ mantel décor, and Hunger Trees Feed Local Families fundraiser was created. Linda reached out to the Pars Hill Community and sold her Hunger Trees with all the proceeds benefitting the Food Pantry at SMH. Linda set a goal of $500 and within two weeks far exceed her expectations.

Carl Costanzi, SMH Food Pantry representative shares, “I’m so grateful for Linda’s contribution to the Food Pantry at Stephens. While I have funds to provide our patients and our local community member’s healthy and nutritious food, I haven’t had the funds for the personal hygiene products that our patrons are also in need of. These funds will help support that need in our community.”

In Maine, one out of every five children and one out of every ten people do not have reliable access to affordable, healthy food. The Food Pantry at Stephens offers a welcoming and confidential space, providing a variety of free, fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods that support health and well-being in our community. The food pantry is made possible through a partnership with MaineHealth and the Good Shepherd Food Bank.