Bates responds to Lewiston fires

In the wake of recent fires in downtown Lewiston, the Bates community is organizing to respond to the needs of our neighbors.

Kristen Cloutier of the Harward Center for Community Partnerships (kcloutie@bates.edu, 207-786-6202) is coordinating the campus response. In addition to the efforts outlined below, Bates is working to bolster the relief efforts in as many ways as possible, including volunteer recruitment and transportation, food provision for shelter residents, and campus fundraisers. This page will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

Key Locations: Lewiston fires and the Bates and community response

2 Andrews Road

Student Activity Office – Donations of clothing and other goods will be accepted here during business hours.

4 Andrews Road

Pettengill Hall – Donations of clothing and other goods will be accepted in the AAA lobby here.

05 Blake Street

Site of April 29 fire. Read more.

114 Bartlett Street

Site of May 6 fire. Read more.

149 Bartlett Street

Site of May 3 fire. Read more.

63 Campus Avenue

The Bates Office of Intercultural Education (OIE) will be accepting donations during business hours to support victims of the fires.

Garcelon Field

Friday, May 10, 4:15pm: Fight Fire with Sweat! Join the all-campus fundraiser for victims of the Lewiston fires by participating in a boot-camp fitness class on Garcelon Field. A $5.00 donation is suggested. The workout will be a circuit of exercises combining total body strength, agility, power, and endurance. While the class is intense in nature, participants will be encouraged to modify exercises to meet their fitness levels. Come on out for a challenging but fun workout on behalf of our Lewiston neighbors. Wear exercise clothes and sneakers, and bring your own water. The class will last about an hour. Contact Mike Milliken, Program Director, for more information (mmillike@bates.edu; 207-753-6936).

Kennedy Park

Monday, May 13, at 5pm: Healing Ceremony in Kennedy Park to provide a community opportunity for healing, reflection and acknowledgment of the impact of the fires on the community. There will be a one-hour presentation, with interfaith prayer from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities, and an opportunity to publicly thank first responders. Those affected by the fires will have an opportunity to participate in the thanks and storytelling.

160 Pleasant Street

Saturday, May 11, 7:30pm: 9th annual Remembering Tom Rowe Concert at the First Universalist Church, 160 Pleasant St., Auburn. Tickets are $28. All funds will go to help the victims of the fires.

161 Wood Street

Harward Center for Community Partnerships – Monetary and gift card donations for victims of the fires will be accepted at the Harward Center during regular business hours.

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How to Help

Donate

Given that donation needs are changing daily, some charitable organizations are currently encouraging the public to provide monetary and gift card donations.

Maine Governor Paul LePage has chosen United Way of Androscoggin County to administer the Lewiston Fire Relief Fund. Donations can be made online at volunteermaine.org or in person or by mail at United Way of Androscoggin County, 66 Ash Street, PO Box 888, Lewiston, ME  04243 (hours are 8am-4:30pm M-F). Checks should be made out to United Way of Androscoggin County and indicate Lewiston Fire Relief Fund in the memo line.

Additional avenues of support

• The American Red Cross – United Valley Chapter is accepting monetary donations. They may be made through the website or mailed c/o Executive Director Jennifer Gaylord, 1180 Lisbon St., Lewiston, ME. Memo line: Lewiston Downtown Fires.  Rainbow Federal Credit Union is also accepting donations for the American Red Cross at its Main Street location, 381 Main Street, Lewiston, ME  04240.
• The Salvation Army is accepting clothing donations dropped off at their thrift store location at 720 Main St., Lewiston (hours are 9am-6pm M-Sat). The Salvation Army is also accepting nonperishable items and toiletries at its facility at 67 Park St., Lewiston (hours are 9am-2pm M-F). Contact number for other items: 207-783-0801.

A Facebook page has been created as a follow-up to the Lewiston Unites: Community Discussion, which took place on May 22, 2013 at Longley Elementary School.  The forum offered an opportunity for residents of Lewiston to share their concerns and seek community solutions in response to the downtown fires that took place in May.

The Lewiston Unites Facebook page offers a place to share positive things happening in the community and is a gathering spot for information, events, and activites.  Please visit: https://www.facebook.com/lewiston.unites.