Governor Confers with Emergency Management and Utilities, Announces Maine Disaster Relief Fund

Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that Mainers and friends who wish to support the ice storm relief efforts in Maine may do so through a donation to the Maine Disaster Relief Fund. You can also register your availability to volunteer online at volunteermaine.org/disaster.

"We know how generous Maine people can be, especially at Christmas time," Governor LePage said. "We have heard from a number of people asking how they can help."

The Governor was at the State Emergency Operations Center Christmas morning to participate in the daily operational conference call with affected counties, utilities and the National Weather Service. He thanked everyone for their hard work throughout the response. "Thank you for working through Christmas, keeping people safe. And now let's get the job done." he said.

The Maine Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the United Way of Kennebec Valley, will distribute funds collected to the various nonprofit agencies who are involved in the relief effort. All donations to the Relief Fund are tax-deductible.

The Governor said that cash donations are best in any disaster, because they allow relief agencies to purchase the supplies they need, when they need them. They also purchase supplies as near as possible to the disaster area, which supports the local economy. You can donate online at http://volunteermaine.org/disaster Follow the link to Maine Disaster Relief Fund.

Or, you can send a check, payable to the Maine Disaster Relief Fund.

Mail to:

Maine Disaster Relief Fund,
c/o United Way of Kennebec Valley
228 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04330


For those wishing to volunteer their services, understand that the need will extend beyond the immediate time of the response. If you have a skill you think can be helpful, visit http://volunteermaine.org/disaster

If you are in an area badly hit by the ice storm, it's also a good idea to check with local officials and see if there is an opportunity to help in your community. "And perhaps the best way to help is by just checking in on neighbors and friends who may need extra help," the Governor said. "A friendly visit from a neighbor, a warm meal or a helping hand with a chore, can be the best Christmas gift of all."

Anyone who does not have computer access but would like to register on VolunteerMaine can call 211 Maine (dial 2-1-1 toll free) and get assistance from a call specialist. VolunteerMaine.org provides a platform for partners to post volunteer opportunities, and for those seeking to volunteer to find a match for their interests. The VolunteerMaine partnership was established in 2002 by the Maine Commission for Community Service.