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L.L.Bean Makes $50,000 Gift to Lewiston Fire Relief Fund
Lewiston, Maine, May 7, 2013 – Three catastrophic fires of the past week have left 180 residents of downtown Lewiston homeless. Recognizing the extraordinary needs of these individuals and the organizations that are working to help them, L.L.Bean has made an extraordinary donation. Today, L.L.Bean has made a $50,000 corporate challenge gift to help the Lewiston fire victims.
“We recognize the terrible loss for these individuals and families, and we appreciate the round-the-clock efforts of the nonprofit organizations and public safety entities involved,” said Janet Wyper, L.L.Bean’s Manager of Community Relations. “In being responsive to these efforts, we also wanted to invite other Maine companies and members of our community to join us in making an inspirational gift to the Lewiston Fire Relief Fund.”
L.L.Bean has been a long-time corporate supporter of the Androscoggin County community. Last year, the company donated $513,000 to United Ways across Maine and together with their employees, contributed more than $103,000 to help those in need right here in Androscoggin County.
The Lewiston Fire Relief Fund, established only yesterday, has now received $62,770 in donations, including a $10,000 anonymous matching gift from a local couple and this $50,000 corporate challenge gift from L.L.Bean.
“So many people in our community and people all over the state want to know how to help,” said Joleen Bedard, Executive Director of United Way of Androscoggin County. “Right now, financial contributions are the best way to aid the Lewiston fire victims because cash donations allow the organizations helping out to purchase essentials for families.”
We are urging community members who would like to make contributions to the Lewiston Fire Relief Fund to visit www.volunteermaine.org or to send contributions directly to United Way of Androscoggin County indicating Lewiston Fire Relief Fund in the memo line.
FMI: Please contact Joleen Bedard, Executive Director of United Way of Androscoggin County 207.795.4000.
Donations may be made online at www.volunteermaine.org, by mail and in person to United Way of Androscoggin County, 66 Ash Street, PO Box 888 Lewiston, ME 04243-0888.
