Welcome to Portland Old Port’s new monthly blog – Community Corner! We will be using this space to highlight ways to connect to your fellow community members through giving back, mutual aid, and more!
Have a fundraiser or cause you’d like us to know about? Email [email protected]
Munjoy Hill Fire Fundraisers
On January 29th a large fire destroyed a townhouse apartment complex on Munjoy Hill. Multiple GoFundMe fundraisers were created for those displaced by the blaze, you can see our February 2 piece with links to them. The fundraiser for the Sanches-Cron family has raised a stunning $111,459 out of their $200k goal, an amazing community effort as this family has given so much of their time and energy to help others over the years! The fundraiser for Molly, Kylie, and Greg has only $1,488 left to go to meet its goal, and the fundraiser for Henry, Louisa, Tucker, and Megan is $4,844 away from its goal!
Since that time, another family has been impacted by the fire as the landlord is saying that it will take six months before they can re-enter their home. They need to replace all their belongings (including furniture) and find a new place to live. The Majok family’s GoFundMe has struggled to take off and needs your support! Only $1,521 has been raised out of their $15k goal. Please, give if you can and share the link!
East End Community School Looking for Headphones & Boots!
If you have spare headphones (preferred) or earbuds, EECS would greatly appreciate the donation! They need to have a regular jack plug, versus a USB or iPhone plug. The school is also looking for donations of larger-sized snow boots for kids. They tend to get donations in little kids’ sizes, but also really need sizes 6, 7, and 8 for their 3rd-5th graders!
If you’d like to donate some spare pairs or even place an order of headphones or boots:
Drop-off: At 195 North Street between 7:15 AM-3:00 PM in a bag with the name “Lauren Ostis” on it. If you are unable to make it during those hours, see this post in the Portland, Maine Facebook Group and send Lauren a private message.
Delivery: Mail to the following address
East End Community School
C/O Lauren Ostis
195 North Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Pizza for A Cause!
Between 5-9 PM on March 29, whether you eat-in, take-out, or order delivery from Flatbread on Commercial Street a portion of all pizzas sold will go to support the Church of Safe Injection (COSI). If you stop in there will also be a raffle taking place and you can purchase tickets at the door for your chance to win apparel, spa services, and more! Full details here!
Connecting During Hard Times
Sadly, there are many conflicts taking place worldwide right now, and right here in Portland, we have community members who are looking to connect with others from their cultures and nations for support, action, and conversation. Our hearts go out to all of our community members who are worried about their extended families and friends in areas experiencing conflict right now. We have come across a few ways to connect with others and have shared them below:
Russian invasion of Ukraine: If you are Ukrainian, this post was made in the Portland, Maine Facebook group by a second-generation Ukrainian-American looking to connect with other Ukrainians in the Greater-Portland area.
Attacks in Magwi, County, South Sudan: If you are South Sudanese, here is the South Sudanese of Maine Facebook page where you may be able to find community & connections.
If you are looking for or are spearheading any community connections with those from your or your family’s background that may exist here in the Portland area, the Portland, Maine Facebook Group is a great place to post. You may also have luck making connections on Nextdoor.Com.
Fundraiser for a Community Member Recovering from Life-Altering Surgery
Click here to head to the GoFundMe for Jenny, a member of the Portland Community who is currently recovering from a life-altering surgical procedure. It has left her in need of expensive post-op medical treatments in order to maintain her health. $12,255 out of the $30k goal has been raised so far.
