Bill and Anna Gallant, owners of Mail-It Unlimited in Kennebunk, are very appreciative of the support of the community for the 26 years they have been in business as a professional packaging, supplies, shipping and gift store. Eight years ago, they began a food and toy drive to give back to the community. In wanting to show their appreciation to their supporters, this year they are looking to run concurrently another food drive for the Community Outreach Services of the Kennebunks and a toy and food drive to benefit the West Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society; but this time with a much bigger goal!
Last year’s 25th anniversary celebration food drive brought in almost 1700 pounds of food. With the bragging rights as the number 6th ranked independent UPS shipping company in the country, Bill was again able to secure UPS’s Promo “Flame” truck for a week for this year’s food drive in an effort to ramp up excitement and greater visibility. They are hoping to do an even bigger food and toy drive the first week in March (March 1 – 6.) The goal this year for the food drive is 5000 pounds. “We know this is a hard time for food drives. People don’t think about food drives in the “off season,” Bill Gallant said. “But the food banks are pretty well depleted by this time of the year, so it is a really good synergy to have it now.” Bill and Anna Gallant are very sensitive to the need for food drives and understand there is a growing need even here in the Kennebunks. They are doing their part and are encouraging the folks in the communities of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel to support this food drive also.
If you are interested in dropping off food items at the store (see recommended items below), the hours are M-F 8:30am-6:00pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; and Sunday 10am-4pm. Food and money donations are accepted earlier if you are away that week. As a special thank you for their 26 years of business in the Kennebunks and to celebrate giving back to the community, Bill and Anna are offering a coupon for 26% off your next purchase in the store for any donation of food, toys and/or money to the Community Outreach Services and Animal Welfare Society. Bill and Anna will also be running a friendly competition between the COS and AWS food drives using their dog Allie who will represent the AWS. Bill will be updating the results of the competition on their Facebook page.
We will also keep you posted right here on our website so keep checking for updates or follow-us on Facebook. We appreciate folks like Bill and Anna Gallant who are helping support those in need right here in our own backyard.
Recommended Food Items
- Mac and Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Spaghettios
- Ramen noodles
- Pancake syrup
- Jello
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Canned Hams
- Beef stew
- Muffin Mixes
- Cookie and Cake mixes
- Tunafish
- Spaghetti Sauce
Are you willing to use some of your time in helping deliver food to those who are in need? Community Outreach Services, known also for being the “Food Pantry” for the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel, needs more volunteer drivers. You don’t have to be the best driver; you just have to care the most.
We will train volunteers so you are very comfortable in knowing what to do. The training takes about 15 minutes. You will be met at St. Martha’s church, brought to the Pantry, and shown the list of food to package. We will also answer any questions you may have.