To the editor:

There was snow on the ground and joy in the air as mountain enthusiasts converged at Sugarloaf for the annual Tin Mountain Round-up.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped make this year's drive such a success. As usual, the Sugarloaf Mountain employees at the Base Lodge were enthusiastic and helpful.

Thanks as well to: Naomi Barnum and Harrison, Jim Stewart, Pam Morse, Dorothy Breen, Neal Breen, Linda & Gerry Baril, Marilyn & Dick Bain, Diane Copeland, Donavan Gaston, Wendy Glenn and Karen Pier.

A special thanks goes out to Hawk O'Leary who helped coordinate on-site needs and to Richard Jordan at Jordan Lumber who loaned out his truck and delivered a portion of the food to the Economic Ministry in Salem (the rest went to the Stratton Food Pantry).

This year we collected 1,239 food items, coming near to but not breaking 1,500 (our high for the past five years). We also received $163 in cash donations.

Did you know that requests for food aid nationally have increased 20 to 40 percent since the summer of 2008? We are in for a challenging winter. Every little bit helps. We live in a wonderful community characterized by generosity and thoughtfulness. Thank you so much, Rev. Pamela Morse Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry Carrabassett Valley