St. Philip’s Help Yourself Shelf Food Pantry (HYS), 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset, is open to all who are suffering from food insecurity. With sign-up from 4 p.m. and choice time at 5 p.m., the Help Yourself Shelf strives to ease that insecurity for any who seek us out. Especially in winter, more income has to be dedicated to heat and electricity, as well as other living expenses. Obtaining food through HYS helps free up funds for those bills.

To that end, local stores, community groups, and individuals have given help to the Shelf.  Thanks needs to be proffered to Shaw’s, as well as Hannaford stores in both Damariscotta and Boothbay. Special gratitude is extended to Big Al Cohen who has done so very much for the Help Yourself Shelf.

First Congregational Church of Wiscasset continues to be a solid partner with St. Philip’s, contributing its time, talent, and treasure, and making it possible for the Shelf to function. Lincoln County Gleaners and Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program of Brunswick. United Way of Midcoast Maine, unions at Bath Iron Works, the patrons of the Wiscasset Transfer Station bottle bin, Chewonki Foundation, and the First, all need to know they are valued for their help.

The pantry has a small but dedicated group of volunteers that needs to know they are appreciated for their support in the day-to-day running of the Shelf.  Speaking of volunteers, the Help Yourself Shelf is always in need of help to continue functioning. If you are looking for something meaningful to involve yourself in, please call St. Philip’s Church at 882-7184, and leave a message with a return phone number.

Running totally on contributions and volunteer help, the Help Yourself Shelf would not be able to continue its mission without all the community support, including that of the many individuals who contribute funds and items for redistribution. Thank you, and please continue to support the pantry.  No contribution is too big or too small.  

As St. Philip’s is a 501(c)(3) entity, contributions are tax deductible. Send contributions to Help Yourself Shelf, St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., Wiscasset, ME 04578. Please help us help those in our communities who need a hand up, not a handout.