November 17, 2015

AUGUSTA---Finding new and creative ways to instill a call to service in their students is always a top priority for teachers and staff at St. Michael Catholic School in Augusta. Next week, however, it is the renewal of a longtime tradition that will reinforce this message while providing hope for many in need.

On Monday, November 23, the eighth-grade class at St. Michael will assist the Salvation Army in distributing over 150 Thanksgiving baskets to local community members. The dispersal of baskets will begin at 1 p.m. in the gym of the school, located on 56 Sewall Street in Augusta.

For weeks, students have organized boxes and boxes of food donations generously offered by parishioners, school families, and local businesses. Each basket will contain all of the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Individuals in need of assistance this Thanksgiving were asked to call the Salvation Army to reserve one of the special baskets.

“Through charitable works like this, we hope that the students truly get a sense of how it feels to bring God’s love to his people,” said Denise Levesque, marketing director at St. Michael. “It is an honor and a blessing for all of us to be able to assist the Salvation Army at this special moment each year.”

Media members are invited to St. Michael Catholic School on Monday to observe the basket distribution at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Dave Guthro, Communications Director for the Diocese of Portland, at (207) 321-7810 or at [email protected].