Tis the season for holiday cheer. Unfortunately, this year has brought less cheer to many in our area. Thanks, however, to generous donations from the likes of the BIW giving contest, Wiscasset Rod and Gun Club, Big Al’s, and Shaw’s in Wiscasset, as well as many individuals, to all of whom we offer gratitude, the Help Yourself Shelf Food Pantry at St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., is able to provide not only the usual weekly boxes of food, but also holiday meal boxes for those who seek us out. 

Our Christmas box distribution is slated for Thursday, Dec. 17, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., allowing plenty of time to prepare for one’s holiday meal. As well as items for side dishes, there will once again be the choice of a $10 gift certificate to either Shaw’s or Hannaford’s toward the purchase of the meal’s protein source, or the selection of a limited number of turkeys, hams, or pork loins. Dessert and drink options will also be available.

But wait, there’s more! We don’t want you to go hungry! Help Yourself Shelf will be open both Christmas and New Year weeks, but instead of Thursdays, it will be open on Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and returning to the usual Thursday distributions after that.

To preorder a holiday box or for questions and clarifications, please call the church at 882-7184, leaving a brief message and a call back number, or go to facebook.com/HelpYourselfShelfFoodPantry or https://helpyourselfshelf.wordpress.com/