University Credit Union Supports the Black Bear Exchange!

Exciting News!  University Credit Union has chosen to support the Black Bear Exchange through multiple efforts during this holiday season.  UCU recently made a cash donation to secure food for the food pantry, and they will be coordinating a food drive during the month of December.  Pictured here is Susan Crawford, Branch Manager of the Rangeley Road location presenting Lisa Morin, Coordinator of the Bodwell Center, with a check for $500!  Lisa will be speaking with employees from all branches this week to discuss the food drive efforts.  Since UCU has branches on campuses throughout Maine, they will be able to assist pantries and cupboards across Maine.

The Black Bear Exchange was created with assistance from UMaine Student Life, the Bodwell Center, the School of Social Work and the Classified Employees Advisory Council.  The doors opened on April 29, 2009.  The Black Bear Exchange envisions a community where all those who work, attend, live near and are affected by the University of Maine have equitable access to resources; and where creative, situation-specific collaborations are actively nurtured to meet needs. The focus of the food pantry is to provide assistance to those who are not able to obtain assistance from other community sources.  The pantry is open to students and their immediate families as well as staff and faculty.  The clothing exchange is open to anyone and encourages people to donate items and find new treasures or make small donations for treasures they find.  The Black Bear Exchange is totally self-funded and obtains food through food drives, donations, and fundraising.  Presently we are giving away at least $20,000 of non-perishable food items per year, and the need is increasing!  For more information about the Black Bear Exchange, please contact Lisa Morin at 581-4194 or lisa.morin@maine.edu.

Thank you to the University Credit Union for helping us to support our fellow Black Bears!  Go Blue!