The first month of 2021 has come with challenges — cold weather made socially distanced gatherings less likely, and we have heard of reports of different strains of COVID-19 spreading across the world. But it has not been all dire. We saw the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, take office with an awe-inspiring and peaceful inauguration.

Closer to home, we have seen acts of kindness and our community coming together tirelessly. Our neighbors, families and friends have stepped up for those in need and helped when they could. I would like to highlight these experiences, because if I have learned one thing by being a lifelong Biddeford resident, it is that folks here and in our surrounding towns support and care about our communities — and it shows. This community spirit is what makes where we live so special.

To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, Heart of Biddeford hosted a sock, mitten and food drive at Biddeford Middle School. On that Monday, volunteers stood outside and collected donations for items that will help keep folks warm and full this winter.

The socks, mittens and food were divided among several different organizations in our area, including the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, Youth Full Maine, Bon Appetit Community Meals Program and Biddeford Food Pantry. These organizations help get meals and other resources to kids, the elderly or anyone else who needs it.

Speaking of cold weather, the Biddeford Police Department saw a need to help kids and adults keep warm this winter. They decided to run a coat drive with United Way of York County, York County Community Action and Biddeford Housing Authority with the goal of collecting 250 coats to give out.

The 250-coat goal seemed like an achievable number, but Biddeford residents really outdid themselves this time. Ultimately, 1,100 coats were collected, more than four times the original goal. This was an incredible show of generosity and community spirit.

Vassie Fowler, the York County Community Action Corporation Outreach Worker, said it best after learning about the total number of coats collected: “It truly speaks to the generous hearts in our community, that during the peak of the pandemic, people who are facing their own challenges … wanted to care for a complete stranger.”

We are all proud of the work our community put in to make this happen.

Last, but not least, I’d like to highlight one special Biddeford resident, John Mercurio Jr., who received the 2020 Roger E. Somers Legacy Award from the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. This award is given to a railway operations volunteer who embodies the mission of the museum and provides mentorship and guidance to others in their roles. John worked as a dispatcher at the museum for more than 20 years and has become an incredibly dedicated volunteer and leader. Congratulations, John, on this well-deserved award.

These three stories call attention to all the great and important volunteer work that our community does on a regular basis. I am certain there are more stories of generosity and community spirit that may not get as easily noticed, but I know we are all grateful for the way everyone contributes to our community. If you have a story about a neighbor, family member or friend who displayed this community spirit, please share it with me at susan.deschambault@gmail.com. It will be another way we recognize the great network we have here, and I can share it with others on my Facebook page.

State Senator Susan Deschambault represents Senate District 32, Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman. She can be reached at 207-287-1515 or susan.deschambault@legislature.maine.gov.

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