How to help

Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Hidden Faces of Poverty The five-part series continues a three-year examination by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram of the challenges and issues children and teens face in Maine. Statistics Population Density Education Increase in Assistance Children in Poverty School Lunch Program Clients Treated for Opiate Abuse Photo Album: Hidden Faces of Poverty To top of story

Agencies across Maine assist poor families. Here's a list of some that accept donations, including cash, items and volunteers. Money should be sent as checks payable to the organization, as listed below:

Androscoggin County

Hope Haven Gospel Mission

(783-6086) 209 Lincoln St., Lewiston, ME 04240 Accepting: nonperishable food, cash, volunteers

New Beginnings

(795-4070) 491 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240 Accepting: nonperishable food, cash, personal hygiene products

Aroostook County

Sister Mary O' Donnell Shelter

(764-4125) 745 Central Ave., Presque Isle, ME 04769 Accepting: nonperishable food, cash, furniture, appliances

Cumberland County

Salvation Army Lighthouse Adolescent Shelter

(774-6304) 65 Elm St., Portland, ME 04101 Accepting: cash, volunteers, clothes, personal hygiene items

Youth Alternatives

(874-1184) 705 Westbrook St., South Portland, ME 04106 Accepting: nonperishable food, clothes, bedding

Hancock County

HOME, Inc.

(469-7961) 90 Schoolhouse Road, Orland, ME 04472 Accepting: cash, kitchen utensils, furniture, baby items (car seats, high chairs, cribs)

Emmaus Homeless Shelter

(667-3962) Corner of Main and Water streets, Ellsworth, ME 04605 Accepting: cash, furniture, clothing, nonperishable food, linens, dishes, small appliances, feminine hygiene products, paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels)

Special Children's Friends

(667-2430) 78 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605 Accepting: cash

Kennebec County

Bread of Life

(626-3434 or 626-3479) 155 Hospital St., Augusta, ME 04330 Accepting: cash, nonperishable food, clothes

Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter

(872-8082) 28 Ticonic St., Waterville, ME 04901 Accepting: cash, nonperishable food, toiletries, paper and household goods

Knox County

Mid-Coast Hospitality House

(594-1422) 169 Old County Road, Rockport, ME 04856 Accepting: cash, furniture, paper goods (cups, napkins, plates) Send checks to: P.O. Box 155, Rockport, ME 04856

Penobscot County

American Red Cross/Pine Tree Chapter (serving Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, and part of Waldo counties)

(941-2903) 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor, ME 04401 Accepting: cash, volunteers

Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club

(827-7776, ext. 7470) 6 River Road, Indian Island, Old Town, ME 04468 Accepting: cash, sports equipment, kitchen utensils, computers

Shaw House

(941-2882) 136 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401 Accepting: children's clothes, personal hygiene items, nonperishable food

Somerset County

Youth and Family Services

(474-8574) Middle Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976 Accepting: cash, nonperishable food, clothes

Waldo County

Waldo County Preschool and Family Services

(338-2200) 5 Stephenson Lane, Belfast, ME 04915 Accepting: cash, volunteers

York County

St. Andre's Group Home

(282-3351) 283 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005 Accepting: clothes for babies and young women, toys

- Compiled by staff researcher Beth Murphy

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