In the coming weeks, St. Michael Parish in Augusta plans to help local single mothers who need assistance keeping up with the expenses of caring for their children.

Large baskets will be stationed in the front of each parish church on the weekends of Aug. 6 and 7, and 13 and 14 for parishioners and community members to drop off toothpaste, 4.5-6-ounce tubes, and shampoo, 13-15-ounce bottles, before, during and after Masses. Toothbrushes also will be collected for those who are able to donate them, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Donations also can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Aug. 12 at the St. Michael Pastoral Center, 24 Washington St. in Augusta.

The collection is sponsored by the St. Michael Parish Social Justice & Peace Commission to benefit the Bridging the Gap program, an initiative in Augusta that helps people connect with resources that help meet their basic needs, offers opportunities for meaningful volunteerism, and provides the chance for social connection.

Those who are able to donate, see the Mass information for the parish and addresses for each parish church:

• St. Augustine Church, 75 Northern Ave., Augusta, 4 p.m. Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays;

• St. Mary Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta, 7 and 9 a.m. Sundays;

• St. Joseph Church, 110 School St., Gardiner, 10 a.m. Sundays;

• Sacred Heart Church, 14 Summer St., Hallowell, 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7 only;

• St. Denis Church, 298 Grand Army Road, Whitefield, 4 p.m. Saturdays; and

• St. Francis Xavier Church, 130 Route 133, Winthrop, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. Sundays.

Contributing to the program is something that has become a labor of love for St. Michael Parish and a welcome source of assistance for the recipients.

“Bridging the Gap doesn’t change people’s lives. Rather, it provides the space, resources, and support for individuals to change their own lives,” said Sarah Miller, administrative director of the program. “We stand on the shoulders of many, and it is only because of strong community support from places like St. Michael Parish that allows us to continue with our work.”

For more information, call St. Michael Parish at 207-623-8823.

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