BREWER — A Brewer teen is making it his mission to give back to the community he calls home.
Dorian Pillsbury has already made a name for himself as a generous Mainer by hosting events that benefit hungry kids and others in need.
According to his mother, he’s kept himself busy giving back in recent years.
“He’s done a cereal drive. He partnered with NextHome, because he was worried about his friends not having breakfast over the summer,” said Lisa Liberatore, Dorian’s mom. “He’s done an apple cider stand, a lemonade stand, and winter carnivals. So, he’s always dreaming up different ways to engage the community and try to raise awareness and money for people in need.”
Most recently, he decided to hold Hot Cocoa for a Cause this weekend at Brewer’s Tiller & Rye grocery store to raise money for the city’s food pantry.
“We are so honored to have him come and use his fundraising skills in our location,” said Sarah Morneault, Co-Owner of Tiller and Rye. “I mean, what great kid, he’s doing so much for his community.”
He said he realized the pantry needed help when he stopped by as part of one of his other efforts.
“On my birthday month, we did a cake fundraiser to make sure kids had a cake on their birthday, and we went in to donate, and we saw that there was not a lot of food on the shelves,” said Pillsbury. “And they said that they really needed help, so we’re doing a hot cocoa stand to help out.”
Even though he’s already spent plenty of his free time giving back to the community, he still has some lofty goals.
“I want to stop food insecurity in Maine for sure, and get out of Maine, to make sure nobody goes hungry in the United States,” said Pillsbury.
And his mom said she couldn’t be happier.
“He makes me incredibly proud,” she said. “I’m very happy that the values that were instilled in me and my family, that I’m able to pass those on to him. And, as he grows up, he’ll be able to have even more impact.”
Those who missed the event are still encouraged to stop by the Brewer Food Pantry on Main Street to donate.