Deposits add up for local charities, thanks to Lewiston resident

Lewiston resident Angelo Sarkees had a simple idea. Seeing the many bottles and cans people simply toss into the garbage, especially at large outdoor events, he began the "Deposits for Food" initiative to collect those pieces and turn them into cash for local charities.

After collecting 6,000 bottles and cans over the summer, Sarkees was joined by Fran Giles of Modern Corp. at a check presentation Wednesday morning in the community soup kitchen at Community Missions. Sarkees presented checks totaling $350 to Community Missions and $300 to Heart, Love & Soul food pantry.

The bottles and cans came from local festivals, private parties and both personal and private donors. Further assistance was provided by Modern Disposal, which donated $250, recycling boxes and bags to encourage people to toss in their bottles and cans.

Sarkees would like to thank Modern, and the assistance provided by Giles and the graphics section at Modern, the Lewiston Jazz Festival board, the Lewiston Harvest Festival board, and the many private party and personal donors, including Tracy Paonessa's Porter Cup party, the police and judge's cookout at the Stadium Grill, and his brother Joe (Mama)'s Smelt Fest.