Plush animal purchases
to raise funds for Red Cross
By Natalie De La Garza
Staff Writer
There’s never been a more adorable way to help disaster victims than through the Red Cross’ Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie De La Garza
THESE CUTE AND CUDDLY CRITTERS are also filled with compassion, as at least $5 of each sale goes toward assisting local disaster victims. Plush animals are available at local branches of Katahdin Trust Company, like the one in Caribou. Shown here, with plenty of plush to go around, are, from left, front row: Branch Manager of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross Joyce Knorr and Branch Manager Peggy Smith. Back row: Yancy LaPointe, retail services assistant; Shelly McHatten, B.S.A. assistant; Karie Quirino, head teller; and Julie Chamberlain, bank teller.
From now until Friday, Feb. 14, nine types of plush animals can be purchased from the 14 branches of Katahdin Trust Company, at least $5 of every $10 donation goes directly to the Aroostook County Disaster Fund of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross.
“There are 1,200 critters out there, and the goal is to raise $6,000,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Red Cross.
There are puppies and frogs — even ducks wearing rain coats — but Manager of the Caribou Branch of Katahdin Trust Company Peggy Smith says that moose has been the most popular stuffed animal over the years.
Whether the critters make a loving Valentine’s Day present or brighten the day of a nursing home patient, proceeds help the local Red Cross chapter help Aroostook neighbors in emergency situations.
“Critter sales help us respond to a wide range of disasters,” said Knorr. “It might be helping a family who lost their home in a fire or opening a shelter after an ice storm knocks out power.”
The Critters, ranging from an adorable puppy to a cuddly penguin, help the Red Cross provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, infant supplies, medical equipment, and recovery resources to those who experience a fire, flood or other disaster.
This has been a particularly busy year for local Red Cross responders, Knorr explained, as The County has recently averaged 1-2 fires a week; as funds are spent helping those in need, they must be regenerated somehow to assist with the next emergency. Red Cross services are provided at no cost to the disaster victims and are funded by generous donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and fundraisers such as Critters.
For 14 years, Katahdin Trust Company has helped the Red Cross during a busy time of year by hosting the fundraiser — which Smith says both customers and bank employees look forward to.
“It’s always heartwarming to do this,” she said, adding that her employees really enjoy knowing that the proceeds go to a very worthy cause.
“A disaster can strike anyone, at any time, and we’re grateful to have the Red Cross in our community,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust Company and a board member of the local Red Cross chapter. “We’re pleased that Katahdin Trust Company can again support these efforts through our Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign. Our staff and customers have fun collecting the Critters, and are especially pleased that the money goes to a very good cause.”
Critters available through February 14, or while supplies last, for a donation of $10 include:
• Sweet Pablo Puppy,
• Sweet Lainey Lab,
• Sweet Fletcher Frog,
• Bubble Gum Bunny,
• Camden Moose,
• Oliver Bear with a scarf,
• Oliver Bear with a red ribbon,
• Silly Slickers Monkey, and
• Silly Slickers Penguin.
Knorr and Smith selected these nine plush Mary Meyer stuffed animals for the fundraiser, as they have every year. Knorr’s favorite is Oliver Bear, and every year she makes sure to purchase a fluffy animal for her grandchildren.
“These are great for anybody who needs a hug, or a warm fuzzy,” she said. Knorr travels all around the region assisting those in need, and she’s encouraged by how many cute, cuddly critters have found happy homes on the desktops near and far.
To find your local branch of Katahdin Trust Company, visit www.katahdintrust.com; additional information about the American Red Cross can be obtained by visiting www.MaineRedCross.org, or by calling 493-4620.
