NEWRY, Maine — Sunday River’s early opening, the first in the Northeast, gave skiers and riders a chance to hit the slopes for a good cause. The combination of blue skies and top to bottom terrain – thanks to Sunday River snowmaking efforts – helped bring in a record number of donations at the annual Tin Mountain Roundup food drive. Guests who brought at least 3 cans of food received $15 off the price of a lift ticket. Collected on Saturday and Sunday, a total of over 3000 cans of food are now being donated to the Bethel Food Pantry.

“We service approximately 50 families on a varying basis throughout the year, but at the holidays we always try to offer more so people can take what they need,” said Dave Bean, a volunteer for the Bethel Food Pantry. “This donation has exponentially helped us to stock the pantry for those who need it. It has become a Bethel tradition.”

Affiliated with the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, the Bethel Food Pantry is open year-round. While the Holidays are an especially important time for food donations, they continue to take a variety of items including shampoo, toilet paper, and paper towels, which are in high demand.

Those looking to donate to the Pantry may call (207) 824-0369. Residents of the Bethel area seeking assistance from the Pantry should call to make an appointment.

Skiers and riders flocked to the slopes over the Veteran’s Day Weekend following the early opening day on Nov. 8 when Sunday River became the first ski area in the Northeast to open for the season.