Educate Maine and Ruth’s Reusable Resources (RRR) have teamed up to get books in the hands of students throughout Cumberland County. Nearly 1,400 bags filled with books and school supplies were picked up at RRR on April 11 by law enforcement officers from communities in Cumberland County and delivered to local school districts, including Gorham.

“We heard from educators around the state that, in addition to hotspots and devices, students need books and school supplies to support their remote learning,” said Jason Judd, executive director of Educate Maine.

Judd said Unum provided financial support for this project and law enforcement stepped up to help with distribution.

“This partnership is another way in which Educate Maine and Unum are working together to help Maine teachers support their students,” said Cary Olson Cartwright, AVP corporate social responsibility at Unum.

Approximately 100 book bags were donated to the Gorham Schools: 30 for grades K-2; 29 for grades 3-5; 30 for grades 6-8; and 15 for grades 9-12. Superintendent Heather Perry said they were delivered the week before and during April vacation to K-12 families in need with help from the Gorham Recreation Department.