Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Katahdin Trust Company hopes to set an example for others, in light of recent flooding in the St. John Valley and other areas of Aroostook County, with its presentation of $10,000 to the American Red Cross, Pine Tree Chapter, on May 2.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
KATAHDIN TRUST COMPANY representatives from the Presque Isle branch presented a check for $10,000 to the American Red Cross, Pine Tree Chapter, to assist with flood relief in Aroostook County. Pictured, from left: Peter St. John, senior vice president, commercial services at Katahdin; Sherry Chamberland, member of the ARC Advisory Board; and Diane Green, assistant vice president, retail services officer and branch manager, Katahdin.
“We’re looking for benefactors in the business community to donate funds to go into disaster relief. We have a longstanding relationship with Katahdin and the Red Cross wants to express how much we appreciate community involvement,” said Sherry Chamberland, speaking as a member of the ARC Advisory Board and manager of Norstar Title Company.
Chamberland said the donation comes at a time ARC’s assistance is in great demand, following the worst flooding to hit parts of Aroostook County in over a century.
“There is no better example of what the Red Cross does and why it’s needed as this flood,” she said. “This money will be used to address the needs of flood victims right here in the County.”
In addition to the donation, Katahdin branches will serve as a collection site as well, according to Jon Prescott, president and CEO at Katahdin.
“The bank will serve as a collection point for area citizens wishing to make donations for the relief and benefit of flood victims throughout northern Maine. In addition to collecting monies for distribution to the American Red Cross in its disaster relief efforts for the flood victims, the bank made the first donation, in the amount of $10,000, and will match its employees’ contributions in the relief effort,” said Prescott.
Following the winter’s record snowfall in the region, warmer spring temperatures and melting snow resulted in massive flooding in a number of communities, forcing some people from their homes and causing considerable property damage and loss of personal possessions.
“Many of the hundreds of people affected by the flooding are those who can least afford to face such a disaster. They are friends and neighbors who need immediate assistance. Katahdin Trust Company wants to step up to the plate and help provide the funding needed to help them begin putting their lives back together.”
Joyce Knorr, branch manager of the ARC Pine Tree Chapter, welcomed Katahdin’s support and efforts to aid the organization.
“We have enjoyed a long relationship with Katahdin, as they are always willing to step forward in helping those in need. Certainly, time is critical to those who have experienced these flooding issues, and we appreciate their donation and their assistance in serving as a donation center for those who wish to help financially. More than material items such as food, clothing, bedding and blankets, we need money to meet the specific needs of the families we can assist,” said Knorr.
Prescott said timing is critical to the fund-raising efforts.
“What we’ve done at Katahdin Trust Company, hopefully, is to get the ball rolling. We encourage anyone who wishes to make a donation, large or small, to drop by any of our 14 locations to donate to the flood victims in northern Maine,” said Prescott. “Many of these families find themselves in dramatically dire circumstances but I know their anguish can be calmed and their needs met by the generous spirit of the people of Maine.”
Chamberland said ARC volunteers were prepared for the recent flood.
“Disaster relief volunteers anticipated this flood and had a plan in place weeks before it happened. We even had grocery stores on call, ready to open their doors on short notice if products were needed,” said Chamberland.
Officials at Katahdin saw ARC step in to assist those affected by the flooding and decided the bank was in a position to do something to help and hope others will do likewise.
“The need is great, and the time is now,” said Prescott.
Katahdin Trust Company, with roots dating back to 1918, provides banking services to individuals and businesses fro 14 branch offices in northern Maine, loan production offices in Bangor and Scarborough and online at www.katahdintrust.com.
