SEARSPORT — Each year the employees at Hamilton Marine vote for a local charity of their choice to have the company donate money to. It’s the company’s way of giving back to the community.

This year, Pay it Forward for Kids, Inc. was one of the four chosen charities to be a recipient of their generosity.

Wayne Hamilton and some of Hamilton Marine staff presented a check for $830.00 to the organization’s President and Founder, Jen Wenz.

Pay It Forward for Kids, Inc. is working to help the children of Waldo County get the nutritious meals they need and deserve so that they are able to flourish and learn without the concern and shame of going without for any number of reasons due to inability to pay.

Pay It Forward for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to allow children to thrive, grow, and focus on learning without the stress or shame that can come with being denied lunch, or receiving a substitute lunch.

Proceeds benefit children in Waldo County, primarily by paying off outstanding lunch balances in the school programs, but also by working to gather school supplies, distribute backpacks, and help schools and children purchase items that will enhance children’s and teachers’ ability to thrive.

In addition to helping with food and academic supports, they also reach out in times of emergency need if they are able. They recently assisted families that lost their home due to a fire and answered a call for over 100 local children who are in need of warm hats, mittens and scarves, soliciting many donations from the Waldo County community at large.

In addition to Wenz, board members Regina Quattrucci, Pam Schultz, Davine Bussell, Tammi Short, Amy Mehuren and Susan Totman make up the small group of local folks that are dedicated to helping people in their own backyard, while there are also many others in the community who contribute by donating items to, or purchasing from, the online auction.

All auction items are donated and proceeds are disbursed locally.

Additional details and information can be found on the group’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/PIFFKcharityauction, the website at https://www. payitforwardforkids.org, via email piffkwaldo@gmail.com or by phone: Jen Wenz, 548-4187.