Red Cross in need

    The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross is already off to a busy start this fall, as they have responded to two separate fires within the Pine Tree Chapter during the first two official days of fall.
    The first two fires of fall happened in Newport and Merrill, a small town in southern Aroostook County. These fires happened hours apart, which is just an example of the enormous geography the Pine Tree Chapter covers.
    “We have a small staff and a group of talented and dedicated volunteers who respond to house fire and other disasters across 52 percent of the state of Maine,” said Hillary Roberts, the chapters emergency services director. 
    “We’re gearing up for what we expect to be a very busy fire season,” said Roberts. “During July, August and the first 24 days of September, the Pine Tree Chapter responded to 63 home fires resulting in a total of 76 cases. Of the 63 fires, seven were multi-unit fires. This increase in fires strains the chapter’s budget, and we are really looking to our community to support our programs right now. If you can donate, please know that your dollars will be used to help your neighbors in need.”
    Donations to the Pine Tree Chapter disaster relief fun provide financial assistance to victims of disaster for immediate assistance with emergency needs. This assistance covers food, shelter, clothing, and medical or mental health materials and services. On average, a house fire displacing a family of five costs $960 for clothing for five people, food for a family of five for one week, and three nights lodging in a hotel. The Pine Tree Chapter does not receive federal funding and does not receive funding from the national organization and relies on local donors and local dollars to provide services.
    To support the Pine Tree Chapter, send checks to the local Red Cross office in Caribou or Bangor. For more information, please contact Roberts at 941-2903 or 343-0803.