Thankful for Our Ministry in 2020

Who knew what was ahead one year ago, when COVID-19 completely changed our lives. We were gearing up for a great summer of camps, laughter, and memories on Lower Narrows Pond, but had to quickly shut down camp to all visitors.

But, within days, Mechuwana was in the process of getting approved to be an emergency pandemic feeding site so that we could provide meals to youth in the community since schools were shut down and no longer providing daily meals to their students. In partnership with the State of Maine, school food service employees, community volunteers, and a small but dedicated Mechuwana staff, meals were provided throughout the spring and summer. This wouldn't have been possible without the leadership and caring of our longtime executive director, Norman Thombs. Thank you, Norm!

Some of Mechuwana's incredible staff!

Here is a recap of last year's program: Camp Mechuwana provided more than 50,000 meals from March through August 31, 2020, to Central Maine families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mechuwana staff and volunteers prepared and provided meals after being approved as an Emergency Pandemic Food Location. Read more about the program and the summer in Norm's latest Director's Blog at www.mechuwana.org/directors-blog/a-summer-like-no-other-at-camp-mechuwana. Camp Mechuwana's meal sharing grows beyond Monmouth in pandemic --Kennebec Journal, April 23, 2020 College students quarantine, pack meals for kids during coronavirus pandemic — News Center Maine news video May 7, 2020 Thank you also to all of you who donated materials like sandwich bags, lunch bags, and more - your overwhelming generosity helped us reduce costs and get meals to those in need safely and quickly! We are so grateful for all of you. - Beth Comeau, Mechuwana Site Executive Committee member