Fundraisers Promote ‘Old Town Strong’ To Help Fire Victims

Folks wanting to help the residents affected by Saturday's fire in Old Town can do so in a number of ways, including buying t-shirts, tacos, or making online donations.

The fire destroyed the building at 274 Main Street in Old Town, and heavily damaged several others, including Yama's Bar and Grill. At least 11 people were displaced by the fire, and restaurant employees are temporarily out of work. So, in true Maine fashion, residents are coming together to help those affected by the fire.

Renee Hashee, from Maine Cheer Academy, contacted us about 'Old Town Strong' t-shirts, which will be sold this weekend at Old Town Riverfest. They ask people to bring cash to buy the $20 shirts, that were donated by W.S. Emerson.

The Old Town American Legion Post 75 is hosting a Taco Tuesday tonight, serving up chicken or beef tacos for a dollar each. All the proceeds will be used to buy grocery and gas gift cards for Yamas employees. They also have a donation jar available all day at the American Legion, right across the street from the fire scene, from 2 to 8.

Old Town High School student, Katelynn Norton, has set up a GoFundMe page, in hopes of raising $10,000. She says her town has just started to blossom, after the mill closure, and she wants to help it recover.

New Life Church is also doing some fundraising. Donations can be dropped off at the New Life Cafe, 261 Main Street, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.,Tuesday through Friday. Plans are also in the works to set up a bank account where donations can be made.

The Red Cross is also helping the 11 people displaced by the fire. While they can't accept donations specifically for the Old Town residents, they will accept donations for their disaster services. Find more information at (800) Red-Cross or on their website.