Making a difference one backpack and meal at a time: That’s the philosophy behind a big red bus making its way through Maine this week.
Peter Kelleher, also known as “The Soupman,” started his nonprofit four years ago after losing his son, Travis, to an opioid overdose.
“Travis’ name is on the front of this bus,” Kelleher said. “I do it for him. I do it for the homeless people out here.”
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Kelleher, who’s originally from Maine, gives away soup and meals as well as backpacks filled with everyday essentials to local homeless communities.
“They have everything from blistex to toothpaste and even hand warmers,” Kelleher said.
So far in Maine, Kelleher has passed out more than 600 backpacks and expects to top 1,500 once his tour of the state is done.
“It’s my passion,” Kelleher said. “I’ll die helping people, and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon that’s for sure.”
The Soupman will visit Augusta, Pittsfield, Newport, Bangor and Millinocket this week.