BANGOR, Maine — The Challenger Learning Center of Maine (CLCofME) is hosting its tenth annual Spud Drive on Nov. 17 in Bangor. The fundraiser will benefit both students and teachers at the center and help feed locals during the holiday season.
CLCofME is a nonprofit that educates and inspires students who want to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each year the center works with 8,000 Maine students and over 100 teachers, according to a press release.
The center will sell 50 lb. bags of Caribou Russet Potatoes from Aroostook County for $25 a bag, or for $20 a bag if you purchase more than one.
Last year the center sold 177 bags and raised over $3,500, according to Kristen Hibbard, executive director at CLCofME.
Hibbard said this year they are hoping to sell 200 bags and raise over $4,000.
"These funds help Challenger continue its mission to provide positive STEM programming for Maine students," she said.
Although there are dozens of programs for students to try, the center in Bangor offers an out-of-this-world space simulation mission modeled after NASA space initiatives. Hibbard said kids are assigned different jobs inside a mission control room, transporter room, and space lab environment simulator.
Molding the minds of young children is important, but so is giving back to the community, hence the partnership with the Salvation Army.
"The bags that are donated to the Salvation Army are used immediately and distributed at their Bangor-based soup kitchen," Hibbard said.
Hibbard encourages customers to start preordering their potatoes and said they can pick them up on Nov. 17 at the center located at 30 Venture Way.
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