Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, the WW&F Railway in Alna needs your help to “Stuff a Boxcar” full of non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Each person who brings non-perishable food items to the railway will receive a complimentary round trip ticket to use at the event. In lieu of non-perishable food, monetary donations will also be accepted.

At the conclusion of “Stuff a Boxcar,” donations will be handed off to pantries to help meet their needs. According to Nancy Perry of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, particularly useful items include proteins like canned tuna and peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruit, including pasta sauce and diced tomatoes, rice, pasta, oatmeal, and healthy breakfast cereals. Support during the summer season is especially important because donations can fall off outside the holiday season, putting the food security of some in question.

WW&F Railway Superintendent Jason Lamontagne said one of the Railway’s narrow gauge boxcars can hold 10 tons. That would be enough to feed several families for the entire year. The WW&F’s Visitor Interaction Coordinator Steve Piwowarski added, “This is our first time ‘stuffing a boxcar’ and we are thrilled to be doing it. We hope that people come out in a big way for a fun trip aboard the narrow gauge while doing their part to combat food insecurity in the Midcoast region. I don’t know if we’ll fill the boxcar this time, but all donations are both needed and appreciated.”

Both Saturday and Sunday, trains depart from Sheepscot Station at 97 Cross Road at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to load your donations into the boxcar, receive your ticket and board the train. No reservations or advance arrangements are necessary, but you can call ahead at 882-4193 with any questions.