Staff Writer
The American Red Cross completed its move from Presque Isle to Caribou earlier this week with the help of several students from the Loring Job Corps Center.
The students, who are in the commercial drivers’ license course, moved desks, chairs and computers from Aroostook Branch of the American Red Cross headquarters on corner of Riverside and State Streets in Presque Isle.
The organization’s new address is at 111 High St. in Caribou, commonly known as the Lions Building.
After being part of the Presque Isle business community for nearly 60 years, the Red Cross decided to move to Caribou because it was cheaper. The branch anticipates that it can save $4,000 annually in its operational budget by moving to less expensive quarters.
The move was done in phases over the past few weekends, according to Joyce Knorr, branch manager. The students’ help was a result of collaboration of Knorr, who serves on the LJCC Steering Committee and Reginald Reed, LJCC community relations’ liaison, who serves on the Red Cross’s advisory Committee. Also involved was Steve Corbin, who also on the LJCC Steering Committee and is director of the Aroostook County Emergency Medical Services Region 5, which is housed at 111 High St.
According to Knorr, the students helped with cleaning the former quarters in Presque Isle. Star City Sanitation provided a dumpster for removal of rubbish from the building.
“They didn’t charge us a penny,” said Knorr.
The final phase of the move took on a party atmosphere as the movers and Red Cross staff joined in a pizza party, with the food being donated by Reno’s, Big Cheese, Pizza Hut and Napoli’s, all of Caribou. Paradis Shop and Save donated soda and ice, according to Knorr.
“All these wonderful people came to our aid,” the manager said. “It made it a community event.”
Knorr plans a grand opening and ribbon cutting in mid-March when officials from the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross can be present.
