On Thursday, Dec. 19, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset, Help Yourself Shelf (HYS) at St. Philip's Church will be holding its pre-Christmas pantry distribution. The early distribution will allow participants and volunteers alike more time to prepare for and enjoy their holidays.

Unlike for its Thanksgiving event, HYS will follow its usual procedure with anyone accessing the Pantry to first register in the Church parking lot, then to line up and wait for their turn. Cars that do not fit in the parking lot need to line up along Hodge Street facing uphill. Please be respectful of our neighbors and their properties while waiting.

With a limited number of volunteers currently available, Help Yourself Shelf decided to cancel its separate holiday distribution area. It is important therefore, for people to pack their patience and "be of good cheer," as this will mean a longer wait time for a turn in the Shelf. People will be able to make selections given their own preferences and needs, however, from what is available when taking their turn.

Note that there will be a regular weekly distribution on Thursday, Dec. 26, but from 3:30 to 5 p.m. And the following week, on Thursday, Jan. 2, the pantry will be open its regular times, from 3:30 to 5:30.

For inquiries or emergency food, call St. Philip’s Church at 882-7184, leaving a brief message and call back name and number. Or email helpyourselfshelf@gmail.com, or message at https://www.facebook.com/HelpYourselfShelfFoodPantry/, or website at https://helpyourselfshelf.wordpress.com/