by Hester Bissell | Co-Owner and Stewardship Coordinator

Every year, as the days get shorter and the taproom gets cozier, we look forward to one of our favorite Bissell Brothers traditions: Four Weeks of Giving.

Back in 2017 we had a simple idea to use one of our busiest seasons to give back to the community that supports us. Since then it has grown into an annual month-long effort that has raised $111,000 for Maine nonprofits as of 2025. All of it has been powered by our taproom guests (you!) through donating 100% of draft beer sales on four select Sundays.

Eight years in, this tradition means more to us than ever.

How It Works (and How You Can Join In)

Each Sunday leading up to Christmas (this year between November 30 and December 21), we highlight a different Maine nonprofit doing meaningful work across the state. When you grab a beer in our taproom on those Sundays, every draft pour goes directly toward their year-end support.

We also invite each organization into the taproom to table, meet guests, and share the impact they’re making. If you want to give a little extra or can’t make it on Sundays, we’ll be collecting monetary donations all month long every day of the week. Just let your server know you’d like to donate and they can help you out.

Meet This Year’s Lineup

We choose organizations that represent a broad cross-section of Maine communities and causes. Here’s who we’re supporting this year:

Week 1 / Nov. 30: Skybird Wildlife Center
Wildlife rehabilitation, care, and education.

Week 2 /Dec. 7: Presente! Maine
Community empowerment and support for immigrants and working families.

Week 3 / Dec. 14: Teens to Trails
Expanding outdoor access and adventure opportunities for Maine youth.

Week 4 / Dec. 21: Wayside Food Programs
Increasing access to nutritious food for Mainers facing food insecurity.

In addition to their Sunday spotlights, we held an internal food drive for Wayside earlier this month, collecting a full pallet of donations in response to recent cuts to food aid programs. Our team showed up in a big way, and we can’t wait to keep that momentum going.

Why We Do This

From day one, we’ve believed that local businesses should play an active role in supporting the people and places that make Maine what it is. Four Weeks of Giving is our way of showing up with intention, year after year.

Join Us All Month Long

Grab a pint. Meet the folks doing amazing work in our communities. Help us push this year’s total even higher.

Four Weeks of Giving 2025 runs Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 21 at our taproom on Thompson’s Point. Additional donations will be accepted every day we’re open.

Let’s gather for good and make year eight the biggest yet.