As we head into the season of giving, it’s the perfect time to help our neighbors in need. Local food pantries across the Sebago Lake Region — from Standish and Gorham to Windham and Bridgton — are seeing increased demand as families prepare for the holidays. Whether you’re picking up extra groceries during your weekly shop or looking for a meaningful way to give back with your kids, here’s where you can make a difference this month.

💌 Stay in the Loop on Local Family Giving Opportunities
Each week, our Lake Region Kids Calendar Newsletter rounds up seasonal events, family fun, and simple ways to give back — like this one! Subscribe to get ideas straight to your inbox every Thursday morning.

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A Perfect Fit for Your 30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge

If you’ve been following along with our 30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge, donating food to a local pantry is a wonderful way to put gratitude into action. It’s a simple family activity that helps kids understand empathy, generosity, and community spirit — especially when they see the real difference a few bags of groceries can make for another family.

Encourage your children to help choose non-perishable items from your pantry or add a few special items to your grocery cart together. You can even make it a “thankful outing” — dropping off donations, writing a short note for the pantry staff, or taking a moment to talk about what you’re grateful for as a family.

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Local Food Drives & Drop-Off Locations

Casco Federal Credit Union

Now accepting frozen and refrigerated items in addition to non-perishables to support local food pantries in Gorham, Buxton, and Standish.
📍 Visit their branches to drop off donations.
🔗 See details on Facebook

Bailey Direct Primary Care (Windham)

Serving as a drop-off site for the Windham Food Pantry Thanksgiving Food Drive. Stop in with non-perishable items or holiday fixings to help local families enjoy a warm meal this season.

Cub Scout Pack 805 Food Drive

📅 Saturday, November 8 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Shaw’s in Windham
Scouts will be collecting donations for the Windham Food Pantry — a great opportunity to involve your kids and show them the power of giving back.

Better Fit Fitness (Standish)

Hosting an ongoing food collection to benefit the Standish Food Pantry. If you’re stopping by for a workout, bring along a few shelf-stable items to add to their donation bin.

Gorham Mr. Bagel

Bring a non-perishable food item through November 9 and get 10% off your order!
Donations support the Gorham Food Pantry — and it’s an easy way to enjoy breakfast or coffee for a cause.

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Community Collection Points

Many schools, daycares, town halls, fire stations, libraries, community centers, and grocery stores have donation boxes set up this time of year. Check with your child’s classroom, rec department, or local library to see how they’re collecting.

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What to Donate

Food pantries rely on a mix of monetary donations and shelf-stable items to meet community needs. When choosing what to give, think about ease of storage, preparation, and nutrition — especially for families who may have limited access to kitchen equipment or refrigeration.

Monetary Donations

The Standish Food Pantry reminds us that when you give money, they can stretch every dollar further by purchasing food directly from the Good Shepherd Food Bank at reduced bulk prices.

Most-Needed Pantry Items

• Canned goods with pop-top lids (soups, pasta, fruit, tuna, chicken) – easy to open without a can opener.
• Single-serving items (fruit cups, oatmeal packets, mac & cheese cups, granola bars) – ideal for kids and individuals.
• Ready-to-eat foods – peanut butter, canned pasta, stew, chili, shelf-stable milk, protein or snack bars.
• Foods that only need water to prepare — instant potatoes, ramen, rice or pasta mixes, pancake mix.
• Breakfast staples – cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup.
• Holiday favorites – stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, gravy, or pie filling.
• Baby items – formula, baby food, diapers, wipes.
• Household and hygiene essentials – toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, menstrual products, paper goods.

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Give Back Together

Donating to a local food pantry is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support our community. Bring your kids along to drop off items — it’s a hands-on way to show gratitude and kindness, and it fits beautifully into a month focused on thankfulness.

Together, we can help every family around the Sebago Lake Region enjoy a full table and a warm meal this holiday season.

💌 Want more ways to give back, explore nature, and celebrate the season together?
Subscribe to the Lake Region Kids Calendar Newsletter and get local family-friendly events, trails, freebies, and community highlights delivered every Thursday morning.