Services

Specific Needs

The Specific Needs Program targets our neighbors in need who need a little extra help now and then trying to make ends meet. We realize that in addition to elderly people, many single parents and families also struggle to pay rent, get their cars repaired and keep their children provided with clothes, medical attention, and necessary supplies. COS assists neighbors through the Specific Needs Program. Most requests are screened through the General Assistance Offices of our three towns. Examples of needs we have assisted with include eye exams and glasses, clothing, medical attention, car repairs, rent, utility bill payments, summer camp scholarships, gasoline and other such specific needs to those who need emergency help.

Specific Needs Program

  • requests are referred to us through the General Assistance offices of the three towns (Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport), social workers, police department and church pastors.
  • responds to requests for help for children from school nurses, social workers as well as requests from others for community individuals in need.

Fuel

Our neighbors here in Maine often deal with the painfully cold temperatures in winter that sometimes seem to never end. The people this impacts most are those whose income just doesn’t keep up with the dropping cold temps and rising costs of fuel. COS partners with the town offices of Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport in supplying emergency fuel for those in need. We provide up to 100 gallons of emergency fuel oil to get those “in the cold” the necessary fuel to stay warm.

Fuel Aid Assistance Program

  • provides heating fuel on an emergency basis in response to requests made through the General Assistance offices of Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport.
  • provides up to 100 gallons of fuel oil or K-1, or the equivalent in propane.
  • runs from September 15 through May 15 although it is subject to change authorized by the COS Board of Directors.

Food

COS is certified by Good Shepherd Food Bank which partners with Feeding America. This association enables us to purchase food at modest costs and obtain perishable food from Hannaford Supermarket at no cost. COS serves the hungry in the Kennebunks in many ways. Our Food Programs filling the most basic needs – nourishing the body – are the food pantry, school lunches and snacks, and holiday food baskets.

COS Food Pantry

  • Fresh and non-perishable foods available to any size family.
    • Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods, and prepared meals donated from area stores, farms, and community gardens.
    • Non-perishable vegetables, fruits, starches, soups & stews, canned meats, breakfast items, pasta dishes, beverages, and condiments
  • Personal and Household items
  • Pet food
  • Food Pantry Hours (by appointment only – see below)
    • Mondays: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
    • Tuesdays: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
    • Thursdays: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
    • Fridays: 9:00am – 12:00pm
  • Food Pantry Location
  • Food Pantry Appointments

Food Drives

Individuals and businesses can support our food pantry by initiating food drives that will help stock our shelves for our food pantry. If you are interested in having a food drive, please contact us at fooddrives@coskennebunks.org and we will be more than happy to work with you in setting that up.

Food4Kids Program

Here is some food for thought: Can you imagine what hunger; true excessive hunger can do to an adult let alone a child? Not only are there the physical symptoms of hunger such as depression and difficulty sleeping, but also the behavioral and educational symptoms as well. We believe no one in Maine should face hunger, especially children.

In response, COS provides nutritious food for children when school lunch and breakfast are unavailable on weekends, school holidays, and summer break. This new program encompasses the previous backpack and summer lunch programs and is now called the COS Food4Kids Program (F4K). All food is provided to children free of charge thanks to the generous support of our COS donors.

For more on the Food4Kids Program, click here.

Holiday Food Basket Program

  • For residents from the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel.
  • Provides food baskets just before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Delivery of food boxes containing a turkey or chicken and other ingredients for a festive holiday dinner.
  • Contact your town General Assistance office for more details.