When Allen Insurance and Financial was looking for a service project in 2020 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national day of service, they couldn’t have predicted the kind of partnership that would form five years later. Their nonprofit partner, AIO, plays a vital role in the community, assisting over 10% of Knox County residents in Maine. Each week, more than 350 families rely on the AIO food market, while 700 students benefit from the weekend meals program. In 2024, AIO provided 526 energy assistance gifts, easing the burden for households facing difficult choices between food, warmth, and medical care.
Since that first service day in 2020, the Allen team has mobilized volunteers and provided significant sponsorship each year. This initiative has grown exponentially, collecting nearly 2,400 pounds of food and raising $39,000 in donations in 2025 alone — enough to sustain AIO’s essential programs through the harsh winter months.
“We foster a culture of giving back, where employees are motivated to contribute to AIO’s mission or that of a food pantry close to their office. Our team values the work AIO does and looks for meaningful ways to contribute – whether through volunteering, supporting food drives, or helping spread the word about AIO’s impact,” says Jill Lang, marketing director at Allen, who coordinates the team’s work with the event.
“The pandemic created a real turning point for our partnership, where Allen team volunteers stepped up without hesitation to meet an unprecedented need. That challenging experience reinforced our commitment to the event and its continued success.”
A $10,000 Make More Happen Award would provide three weeks’ worth of food for the AIO market, energy payments for approximately 25 households, and support the weekend meal program for students.
By voting for Allen Insurance and Financial, you help ensure that AIO can continue its crucial work in the community, alleviating hunger and energy insecurity for countless families. Join the effort to make a difference — your vote counts!