BELFAST — The City of Belfast received a generous donation earlier this week from the Belfast Hannaford Supermarket in the amount of $25,000 to the Belfast “Keep the Faith” Fund.

Because of their generous donation, the City of Belfast was able to use the Keep the Faith Fund to supply $500 to each of the 138 employees this week in order to assist with their immediate needs.

“The fire last Thursday at Penobscot McCrum was devastating, and we are extraordinarily grateful that everyone got out safely,” said City Councilor Brenda Bonneville. “With so much uncertainty for the 138 people who are temporarily out of work, Hannaford's generous donation to the employees is a remarkable act of kindness. It really exemplifies how community comes together.”

“From the ashes of the great fire at Penobscot McCrum, Belfast citizens and businesses responded immediately with care by donating to the Keep the Faith Fund,” said Mayor Eric Sanders. “On Wednesday, Belfast Hannaford made a tremendous act of corporate kindness and compassion with their significant donation. Their generous contribution to the McCrum employees brings hope to the City of Belfast. To the employees at the Belfast Hannaford, thank you. Your gracious act will be remembered in this town.”

“This devastating fire has brought uncertainty to 138 members of our community. We hope that this donation will ease some of the stress these families are experiencing,” said Stefan Wrigley, store manager of the Belfast Hannaford. “We want the community to know that we are here for them and will support any way we can. I’m very proud to work for a company where our commitment to community is so strong — and where we strive to be ‘greater than groceries’.”