Red Cross receives assistance through teddy bear project

18 years ago

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  Larry Harrison, branch manager for the American Red Cross in Aroostook County, announced today that for the seventh consecutive year Katahdin Trust Company has joined forces with the Aroostook County branch of the American Red Cross to support its winter fundraiser of Teddy Bears for Valentine’s Day.  Through this project all 14 offices of Katahdin Trust Company have special cuddly teddy bears available for a $10 donation to the local Red Cross Branch Disaster Relief Operations. 

     “We are delighted to support this annual fund-raising effort,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing at Katahdin Trust Company. “It provides a great opportunity for our customers and employees to help those in need in our local area who are coping with a disaster, like the recent tragic fire of a multi-unit apartment building on Allen Street in Presque Isle. All of the funds collected from the sale of the Teddy Bears go directly to the local Red Cross Disaster Relief Operations to help folks in need right here in our local communities.”  
    The stuffed teddy bears are very adorable; and, complete with a variety of colored ties, they make a great gift for that special someone on Valentine’s Day. Smith also stated that the bank has raised nearly $45,000 with this project during the past six years and is hoping that over $10,000 will be collected this year as the Red Cross needs the help of area residents more than ever before to fill the needs of people here in our local communities.   
    Annually the Aroostook County branch provides disaster relief assistance to nearly 35 families following single/multi family house fires to provide food, clothing and shelter support. During the first six months of this Red Cross year, which runs from July through June, the local Red Cross chapter has assisted 13 families consisting of 31 family members in need of help, using over half of its Disaster budget for the year. Additionally, the local branch provides emergency communications to over 90 military members and their families around the world in times of family emergency and provides health and safety training to over 3,900 students per year.  
    Harrison noted that this local branch is responsible for its own funding and that the support of county residents and businesses is crucial to the continued presence of the Red Cross in Aroostook County.  
    “The willingness of Katahdin Trust Company to take on the Teddy Bear project is of great importance to our funding and shows their concern for making life better for those affected by local disaster,” said Harrison.
    Katahdin Trust Company serves the northern Maine area with 14 officers located in Ashland, Caribou, Eagle Lake, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Island Falls, Limestone, Mars Hill, Oakfield, Patten, Presque Isle, Van Buren  and Washburn and online at www.katahdintrust.com.