BELGRADE — In the wake of the recent tragedy that struck the community of Lewiston, Hammond Lumber Company (Hammond) announces donations of $100,000 to support the victims and families affected by the tragedy in Lewiston. As a longstanding member of the Lewiston-Auburn community, Hammond Lumber Company is committed to providing immediate assistance and resources to help those in need during these challenging times.

“On behalf of our company and employees, our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones,” said said Mike Hammond, president and CEO of Hammond Lumber Company. “The devastating events in Lewiston have deeply touched our hearts, and we stand in unity with our close-knit Maine communities during this difficult time. We hope that these donations will help alleviate some of the burdens faced as we navigate going forward.”

Hammond recognizes the importance of rallying together as a community during times of hardship and is committed to providing assistance in any way possible, according to the company. Donations will be used to support multiple initiatives and organizations aimed at helping the victims and their families in their recovery process.

A donation in the amount of $20,000 will go to supporting the Maine Community Foundation’s Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund, which provides immediate and long-term aid to the victims, families, and communities impacted by the tragedy.

A $20,000 donation will be given to the United Way of Androscoggin County's Community Fund which supports community partners providing mental health services and other critical needs.

An additional $20,000 donation will be made to the LA Metro Chamber Foundation where donations will be collected and shared with organizations responding to the greatest need and supporting EMS workers.

Direct donations equaling $15,000, including all proceeds from purchased Lewiston Strong apparel, will be provided to support the first annual Lewiston Strong Memorial Benefit Softball Tournament taking place on Saturday, November 11 in Lewiston.

There will be $25,000 in funding to be distributed toward the forthcoming needs of the community.

“Hammond also wants to take the opportunity to express profound gratitude to all the medical providers and law enforcement who have shown immense heroism and unwavering commitment to protecting and assisting others in a time of need,” said the release. “Hammond remains deeply committed to the Lewiston-Auburn communities and will continue to provide assistance and support as we collectively work toward healing and recovery.”

About Hammond Lumber Company

Hammond Lumber Company was founded in 1953 by Skip and Verna Hammond with a single sawmill in Belgrade, Maine. Today, the fourth-generation, family-owned is one of the largest independent lumber and building material retailers in the northeast with over 900 employees and 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire. Hammond Lumber Company carries a full line of building materials, millwork, kitchen, bath and flooring products, and is a quality manufacturer of eastern white pine. Hammond has multiple Kitchen, Bath & Flooring Design Centers and showrooms, Home Planning Design Centers, and millwork showrooms across the State. Hammond is the 17th largest pro dealer and lumberyard in the nation by 2022 sales according to the LBM Journal 100. The building material supply company has received numerous awards, including 2020 ProSales Dealer of the Year, Best Places to Work in Maine in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Best Company to Work For in New Hampshire in 2023, National Safety Council's 2023 Occupational Excellence Achievement Award and 2023 Industry Leader Award, and NeLMA’s 2023 Outstanding Safety Performance Award. Learn more at www.hammondlumber.com.