Valentine project benefits Red Cross

     For the eighth consecutive year, Katahdin Trust Co. will champion a special Valentine fund-raiser to help fund the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter’s Disaster Relief fund.     Through this project, all 14 branch offices of Katahdin Trust Co. will have an adorable assortment of cute, cuddly critters including Bundle-Up Brownie Bear, Poodle Bear, Stormy Bear, Martin Mittens the Penguin, Little Bit o’ Luv Premie, Leapin’ Lover Frog, Piper Penguin, and Brooke Bear.
 Each cute critter is sweetly designed and masterfully crafted with beautiful, quality fabrics from the Mary Meyer Co. in Townshend, Vt. Each one is available for a donation of $10, and proceeds go to the American Red Cross and will stay locally in Aroostook County.
    “We are really pleased to support this on-going fund-raising event,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing at Katahdin Trust Co. “It provides a great opportunity for our customers and employees to help those in need in our local area who are coping with disaster, like the recent tragic fire in Mars Hill where a family lost their home and everything they owned.”
    Katahdin Trust Co. has helped raise over $50,000 with this project over the years, and is hoping they can raise at least $10,000 this year.
    “Funds are needed more than ever right now,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter. “Our Pine Tree Chapter just responded to its 85th fire last week and our fiscal year isn’t even halfway over. Annually, our local office responds to well over 35 disaster cases following single and multi-dwelling house fires in providing immediate shelter, food, clothing, medical and mental health support services. Each day of disaster costs $1,270, and all funds come from local donations – no financial support is provided by the state or federal government.
    “The support of Katahdin Trust Co. is crucial to the continued presence of the Red Cross in Aroostook County,” she said. “We are so grateful for their partnership and concern to ensure county residents are able to have their immediate needs met when a disaster strikes!”
    Your caring purchase of one or more of these darling critters will promise to warm the hearts and bring a smile to your special valentines while helping to provide funds for the critical needs of those who have encountered a disaster.
    Katahdin Trust Co. serves the northern Maine area with branch offices located in Ashland, Caribou, Eagle Lake, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Island Falls, Limestone, Mars Hill, Oakfield, Patten, Presque Isle, Van Buren, and Washburn.
    For more about the Red Cross, please call 207-762-5671.