Officials at Katahdin Trust Company in partnership with the American Red Cross have kicked off 30th season for the Cute, Cuddly, Critter Campaign to help raise funds for local Red Cross disaster relief. The masterfully crafted Dalmatians, polar bears, hound dogs, penguins and teddy bears are soft and lovable for anyone to adopt for a donation of $10. All proceeds benefit local disaster relief provided by the Aroostook County Branch office of the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter.
“Katahdin Trust Company’s hard work and continued support has helped raise nearly $68,000 with this project over the past nine years,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager for the local Red Cross. “These adorable stuffed animals are so cute and sweetly designed. They make a great gift for someone special on Valentine’s Day or even a birthday, get well wish, or just because. Each purchase will help Red Cross volunteers provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, infant supplies, medical equipment and recovery resources to our loved ones, friends and neighbors who experience a fire, flood or other disasters. These services are at no cost to victims and are provided by local donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and towns. Your local Red Cross Chapter gets no financial support from the county, state or federal government,” added Knorr.
The Aroostook County Branch of the Pine Tree Chapter has served The County for over 90 years. Last year, local Red Cross workers provided nearly $25,000 in emergency assistance to nearly 120 County residents. Local donations are needed to ensure help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“All funds collected from the sale of these cute critters are used to help folks in need right here in our local communities,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust Company. “We are really pleased to support this project for the tenth year. Our goal is to raise another $8,000 this year to help the Red Cross meet the critical needs of area residents coping with disaster.”Staff photo/Barb Scott
CUDDLY — Critters like these are being sold at Aroostook County Katahdin Trust locations to benefit the Red Cross
The cute, cuddly critters are available at all Katahdin Trust Company locations from Jan. 11 to Feb. 14. Katahdin Trust Company serves the northern Maine area with offices in Ashland, Caribou, Eagle Lake, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Island Falls, Limestone, Mars Hill, Oakfield, Patten, Presque Isle, Van Buren and Washburn.
For more information about the Red Cross or this project, please call Joyce Knorr at 493-4620, ext. 108.