Bank collects for flood victims

     Jon J. Prescott, President and Chief Executive Officer at Katahdin Trust Company, today announced that 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, Prescott said that Katahdin Trust Company will make the first donation, in the amount of $10,000, and will match its employees’ contributions in the relief effort.
    After a winter, which recorded the most snowfall in the region’s history, spring rains and the melting of the snow resulted in massive flooding in a number of communities, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and, in the process, facing exceptional damage to property and the 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,” Prescott said. “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.”
    American Red Cross Pine Tree Chapter Branch Manager Joyce Knorr applauded Katahdin Trust Company’s efforts, saying “We have enjoyed a long relationship with Katahdin Trust Company, 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.”
    Prescott added that timing is critical to the fundraising efforts. “What we’ve done at Katahdin Trust Company, hopefully, is to get the ball rolling,” he said. “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. 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.”
    “The need is great, and the time is now,” said Prescott.
    Katahdin Trust Company, with roots dating back to 1918, and over $445 million in assets, provides banking services to individuals and businesses from 14 branch offices in northern Maine, loan production offices in Bangor and Scarborough and online at www.katahdintrust.com.