Dear Friends,
 
We are wrapping up 2023 and want to thank everyone who has supported us this past year. Whether you are a volunteer, guest, donor, partner, colleague, or simply a friend who stays interested in our work, we appreciate you and your dedication to supporting our community through Wayside. We want to celebrate you and what you bring to our community. In the past year, we faced more challenges testing our resilience and generosity. Our work focuses on sharing food to build strong connections and support systems. It remains a humbling yet heartfelt challenge. Amid these global and local challenges, many of us have found solace and joy in the companionship of our beloved pets. Despite the uncertainties, our furry friends' unwavering love and comfort remain a constant source of inspiration. Most of the Wayside team have cherished pets, seamlessly integrating them into our larger Wayside family, especially during their spontaneous visits. Upon returning home at the end of the day, my routine involves reaching out to my dogs and finding a sense of reassurance and comfort through their simple presence.  They can calm me, inspire activity and play, allowing me to focus on what is in front of me now, instead of what I have not done or cannot change.  

Although this year has brought heartbreak to many around the world and here in Maine, you all have continued to show up for each other through your support of Wayside’s work and especially during this Thanksgiving Season.  With your help we shared Thanksgiving foods and meals with more of our community members than ever before! 
 


Mary Zwolinski
Executive Director
mzwolinski@waysidemaine.org

 

 

 

How to donate

Donating to Wayside is as easy as using our secure donation form. Donations may also be mailed to Wayside Food Programs at PO Box 1278, Portland, Maine, 04104.

In addition to cash donations, there are a number of innovative ways to contribute, including: Estate planning, which can contribute to Wayside's mission. Employee match programs, where employers match a portion of employee contributions. To learn more about innovative ways of contributing to Wayside, please contact us.