A city of helping hands

By Christine Callan

Whether it is collecting money for the American Red Cross or handing out apple pie, Blaine community businesses and residents are doing their part to help the victims of the September 11 tragedy.

“It’s really cool to see how many people really care,” said Denise Bird of Steamers Coffee. “We have had people come through here and pay $50 for a latte and say ‘keep the change for the Red Cross.’ It opens the door for a lot of people who didn’t know how to donate.”

Not only has Steamers been taking donations, Denise and other employees donated a day of their wages to helping those affected.

Other businesses are pitching in as well. Cost Cutter is taking donations at check stands U.S. Bank, Bank of America and Sterling Bank have all opened donation accounts and U.S. Bank is allowing its employees to donate blood on company time. They also wired money to employees who were stuck traveling during the tragedy.

Pelican Press printed up hundreds of American flags because they are so difficult to find right now and Olasons Corkscrew hosted an “American Apple Pie Day” last Saturday where they gave out free apple pie as a good will gesture and to encourage donations.

Betty Granlund has been making red, white and blue ribbons and selling them to raise money that will go directly to fire stations nine and 11 of New York City.

“In my heart I wanted to help,” she said. “I can’t do much but this is one thing I can do from home.” .

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