Kittery's buoy tree helps Fuel and More, food pantry and honors Barbara Moulton

KITTERY, Maine — For the second year in a row, local residents have come together to construct an illuminated Christmas tree made out of lobster buoys. Kittery residents and active local philanthropists Kelly Philbrook and Steve Lawrence started the tradition after seeing a similar idea in Wells, insisting that Kittery's tree be centered around charity.

This year, Philbrook and Lawrence have raised more than $5,000 and counting for Fuel and More, a local volunteer-run nonprofit organization, as well as funds for Footprints Food Pantry.

Fuel and More provides heating fuel like kerosene, oil and propane, wood pellets and cord wood, and electric heat to Kittery families in need. Fuel and More also purchases jackets and boots for children and provides gas for families in need that travel far for work. According to Fuel and More, since 2019, the organization has raised almost $157,000, helping more than 240 families.

The buoy tree is located outside Kittery Ace Hardware on Shapleigh Road. Ernie D'Angelo, who purchased the hardware store with his wife six months ago, said he was more than happy to have this new tradition centered in front of his business. The reason for the move in location from the original spot behind Frisbee’s Wharf was for plowing purposes and access to electricity. According to D'Angelo, this year's buoy tree stands much taller, with a whopping 200 painted buoys, 50 more than last year. Buoys were selling for $30 dollars each, while many artists who re-used their buoys from last year were encouraged to donate.

In addition to the thousands of dollars of donations, awareness for Fuel and More has increased. According to Fuel and More president Maureen Bilodeau, there has been an uptick in donors since the buoy tree project chose the organization as a beneficiary. Footprints Food Pantry is the only other beneficiary for the buoy tree project.

Fuel and More Vice President Rinda Tucker said, "Our Kittery community has come together. It's going to be a tough winter this year."

On the top of the tree, an encrypted buoy "In Memory of Barbara Moulton" honors the leader of the Kittery holiday baskets program for more than 40 years. She died in August. Organizers wanted to pay homage to a resident who was known for her work in the community.

Philbrook said, "None of this is possible without everyone else. I'm glad it brings a smile to people's faces. We all need a bright spot and this is it."

Fuel and More is accepting donations at fuelandmore.org/donate.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kittery ME buoy tree helps Fuel and More, and food pantry