PHOTO: Cancer Resouce Center of Western Maine volunteers make COVID-19 emergency baskets, from left, Pam Manninen, Mike Morin and Peggy White. (Submitted photo)
NORWAY — The Maine Cancer Foundation recently awarded the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine with a second $10,000 COVID-19 Response Grant to assist cancer patients with food and grocery expenses during the pandemic
COVID-19 has only compounded the financial impact many cancer patients already face from a cancer diagnosis. Expenses associated with transportation and lodging related to their cancer treatment, as well as medical bills and copays, force them to make hard choices when it comes to buying food, household items and paying for heat.
The center has used some of this recent grant money to make 50 COVID-19 emergency baskets, which are filled with disposable masks, antibacterial cleaners, laundry detergent, paper products and food staples such as soup and jars of peanut butter and jelly.
The center has been providing Hannaford gift cards to cancer patients since it received the first grant, also for $10,000, in June, said Diane Madden, the center’s executive director. “Many of the items we have included in these baskets are essential items that can be costly, are not eligible with food stamps and limit money available to purchase healthy food,” she said.
She said the center is also calling patients before volunteers deliver baskets to assess other needs, such as afghans, quilts, knit shawls or winter hats that will be added in.
“We are very grateful to the Maine Cancer Foundation for granting us financial support so we can help cancer patients and their families throughout western Maine,” she said.
The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, at 199 Main St., is a 501c3 non-profit organization embracing anyone affected by cancer, and offers support, education, and concepts in healthy living, including free programs, complementary therapies, weekly virtual classes, travel assistance, support groups and comfort items
For more information, visit www.crcofwm.org.
