Tuesday, Oct. 15 is the last day of 2019 to enjoy Round Top ice cream at its Damariscotta location.
Tuesday, Oct. 15 will be the last day of the 2019 season for the Round Top Ice Cream stand in Damariscotta. In keeping with custom, the entire proceeds of the day will be given to local charities. This year, the Community Housing Improvement Project and Stepping Stone Housing will benefit.
“We began closing the season in this way when I bought the business from my parents 10 years ago,” said Stephanie Poland. “This is the fourth year that we are making local charities the beneficiaries. CHIP and Stepping Stone were chosen because they both focus on the housing needs in our area, needs that have become more apparent in recent years.”
Since 1984, the Community Housing Improvement Project has been fulfilling a mission of “neighbors helping neighbors keep their homes safe, warm, and dry.” CHIP Inc. provides home repairs such as weatherproofing, electrical and plumbing repairs, and building new roofs, windows, doors, and handicap ramps for families in Lincoln County who are not able to afford these repairs themselves because of illness, disability, or financial need.
The repairs are undertaken by volunteers and professionals at no cost to the homeowner. On the recent Community Cares Day alone, over 100 volunteers made repairs to nine homes. During the winter months, CHIP also provides limited emergency deliveries of heating oil and firewood to people in need.
Stepping Stone Housing Inc. has been providing affordable, transitional, and permanent housing for individuals and families in Lincoln County since 2013. It is a local, volunteer-run, grassroots program dedicated to helping those who earn less than a living wage to find housing as a “stepping stone” to a better life. Stepping Stone Housing Inc. owns several properties in Bremen, Bristol, and Damariscotta, with the intention of expanding the number of housing units in the years to come. The organization currently serves 17 individuals and nine families.
“We’re hoping the community will come out to enjoy the last ice cream treat of the season and support CHIP and Stepping Stone Housing,” said Poland. “Beside the organizations benefitting from the money from the ice cream sales, containers will be available for customers to make additional donations to CHIP and Stepping Stone Housing.”
Round Top has been a favorite spot to enjoy ice cream since it opened in 1924.
