AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – 92 Moose and B98.5 camp out every year to collect food that goes right back in to the local Salvation Army.
They say this year might be the most important in the history of the event.
“Campout Hunger isn’t just a food drive, it’s a lifeline to make sure that our friends and neighbors and brothers and sisters in Maine, especially the babies, don’t go to sleep hungry,” said 92 Moose DJ Lizzy Snyder.
It’s the seventh year that staff at 92 Moose and B98.5 have taken over the Sam’s Club parking lot for food donations.
But this year, they say, might be the most important since they’ve begun.
“Food insecurity in Maine is a big issue every single year,” added 92 Moose DJ Matt James. “However, we’ve seen statistics steadily climbing over the last seven years, and this year, with things like the SNAP benefit crisis and heating oil prices going up, food insecurity is on the rise in numbers that we haven’t seen before. That has made this year the most critical since we started this.”
The Capital Area Salvation Army has seen it firsthand. Reporting an over 200% increase in clients in October. But that hasn’t stopped the community from helping out.
92 Moose staff say they received the most ever day-one donations when they started on Monday, even from those who are struggling themselves.
“People come out that are currently receiving assistance that come and still donate because they feel so compelled to do it, and I think that right there speaks volumes as to the hearts of the people in this community,” commented James.
They spend five days camping out in the lot, and for many who are involved, it’s become a tradition.
“When you talk about Mainers and community, it’s family, that’s what we are,” responded Snyder. “So, we’re always going to make giving fun because remember, kids, giving is fun.”
Even for newcomers like Allyssa Marson, whose first day as a DJ with 92 Moose was on the first day of Campout Hunger.
“I was nervous, but I think just being here and being outside and taking in all the donations, like it’s made it seem really easier and stressful. So, it’s been really good,” answered Marson.
Salvation Army staff says that many people have to make the choice this time of year, heat or food on the table, so bearing the cold for five days to check one of those off, isn’t so bad.
“Right now, you have to decide between keeping the lights on, keeping the heat on, and putting the food on the table,” said Core Commanding Officer for the Capital Regional Salvation Army Keith Davis. “So right now, we like to feel the cold so that we’re reminded that people are in need this time of year, especially.”
The crew will be in the Sam’s Club parking lot until Friday afternoon, and helping out is as easy as dropping off a bag of groceries.
To find a wish list of items that are a specific need for the Salvation Army, follow this link.
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