Curves' food drive benefits Rumford Group Homes

RUMFORD -- In April, Curves of Rumford held their annual food donation drive to benefit Rumford Group Homes, Inc. homeless programs.

Kathy Andrews stated, “We are very excited to partner with Rumford Group Homes and our members worked hard to contribute food items for their homeless shelter here in Rumford and for homeless youth in their transitional living program.”

She adds, “This year, we exceeded last year’s donation of 97 pounds of food significantly. Members collected 261 pounds of food this year and were enthusiastic about the fact that the food drive would benefit needy people right here in Rumford.

Three members who raised the most amount of food were recognized with gift bags that included a t-shirt, plastic lunch container, water bottle, and a tote bag. June Smith from Mexico was recognized for contributing the most amount of food supplies at 67 pounds. Dorothy Ouellette of Mexico contributed 31 pounds of food and Robin Belanger from Rumford contributed 19 pounds of food raising a total of 117 pounds.

Paula Paladino, edirector of Homeless Services for Rumford Group Homes, stated, “We are very pleased that Curves members selected us for this donation. This will benefit many of our clients who have little to no resources and count on us for help.”

Rumford Group Homes, Inc. operates multiple programs benefitting homeless youth, young adults and families in Oxford County, including the Norway Family Center, Rumford Family Center and South Paris Men’s Emergency Shelter, a Homeless Youth Outreach Program, Transitional Living Program for homeless youth, and community case management programs.

Leigh Eldredge, Rumford Group Homes Case Manager, adds, “Right now, I can think of at least 10 people on my caseload who will receive immediate help and that doesn’t include my colleagues who are working with people in need.”

Andrews adds “Nationally, Curves has a commitment to giving back in the community, and our members are pleased to know they can contribute to make a difference locally.”

For the past 36 years, Rumford Group Homes has served abused, neglected, and homeless children, youth and families by providing a variety of supportive services through our children’s crisis stabilization unit, housing and case management programs, homeless youth outreach services, homeless shelters, and low-income housing to those in need of treatment, housing, or support due to abuse, neglect, family crisis, homelessness or abandonment.

Last year, the agency served over 500 children, youth and families. For more information about Rumford Group Homes, call 364-3551 ext. 212 or visit their website at www.rumfordgrouphomes.org. For more information about Curves or how to join, check out their new location at 60 Lowell St. Suite 7 in Rumford or call 364-3333.

Curves' food drive Photo:

From left are Kathy Andrews, Curves owner, displays gift bags with Curves employee Sarah Vine (middle) and Leigh Eldredge (left), Rumford Group Homes, Inc. Case Manager.