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| Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson For the 12th consecutive year, Katahdin Trust Co. is selling stuffed animals for Valentine’s Day with the proceeds going to the local American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The cute, cuddly critters can be purchased for $10 each at any of the bank’s branch offices. Displaying some of the stuffed animals are, from left: Ann Perier, American Red Cross — Pine Tree Aroostook Chapter advisory board chair; Bill Thomas, vice chair; Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust Co.; and Carrie Hull, manager of the Easton and Washburn branch offices of Katahdin Trust Co. and Red Cross advisory board member. |
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The purchase of a cute, cuddly stuffed animal will not only brighten someone’s Valentine’s Day but also help support the local American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
The 12th annual Katahdin Trust Co. Critter fundraiser for the Red Cross kicked off Monday and will run until Tuesday, Feb. 14 while supplies last.
Proceeds from this fundraiser helps the American Red Cross of Aroostook County provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, infant supplies, medical equipment and recovery resources to those who experience a fire, flood or other disaster. These services are provided at no cost to the disaster victims and are funded by generous local donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and championed fundraisers such as the Critter Campaign. The Red Cross receives no financial support from the state or federal governments in providing any of their services.
“Soft, warm, comforting, cuddly and definitely cute — in fact they are irresistible! This year’s critter assortment is the best yet,” said Carrie Hull, manager of the Easton and Washburn branch offices of Katahdin Trust Co. and Red Cross advisory board member. “Staff and customers of our 14 branch offices in Aroostook County look forward to this fund-raising campaign each year as they add yet another Mary Meyer critter to their collection. Some even purchase multiples to give to nursing homes or to hospital children’s wards.”
Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the American Red Cross, said the organization is in “critical need of financial funding this year” due to economic hardships from many donors.
“We must replenish the funds immediately whenever we provide services to those affected by disaster in order to maintain funding to help the next disaster victims. Unfortunately, disasters continue to occur; therefore, the Red Cross promises to be ready to provide all that is necessary to help folks as they work toward recovery plans after losing their home and belongings,” she said. “A safe place to sleep, warm clothing, food and medical supplies make the next steps for recovery a little bit easier. This is such an easy and fun way to help the Red Cross.”
Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust Co., said the Critter fundraiser is a wonderful project that benefits everyone.
“This is such a great project for the bank and the local Red Cross office and most importantly for the victims in our local area that are struck by disaster,” said Smith. “As a local community bank, we feel it is our civic duty to give back to the areas which we serve and this is one way that we do that on an annual basis. We encourage folks to stop by early to get their cute cuddly critter as it is highly likely that we will sell out prior to Valentine’s Day.”
This year’s assortment includes limited numbers of Bianca Bichon Frise, Silly Slickers Moose and Silly Slickers Cow, Cuddles & Cream Caramel Kitty and Cuddles & Cream Caramel Pony, Way Rad Plaid Bear and Scottie Snowman. Bringing back some favorites are Sleepy Sheep, Marty Moose and Brantley Bear.
The critters can be purchased for $10 each at any of the bank’s branch offices in Ashland, Caribou, Eagle Lake, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Island Falls, Limestone, Mars Hill, Oakfield, Patten, Presque Isle, Van Buren and Washburn.
