From time to time in this column, I will update you on events or activities that have taken place, or will take place, to aid the victims of the terrorist attacks our country suffered on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001.

People throughout the United States and the world, for that matter, are offering prayers and extending help and support not only to the victims and survivors of those horrific events, but to all Americans as well.

Individuals and residents of communities large and small are doing what they can, in their own very special ways, to make a difference, and I believe those efforts should be acknowledged.

Take the small Hancock County town of Otis, for example, with just 543 residents.

Joyce Wasson knows well the depth and breadth of the caring exhibited by members of her community, who were there to help see her through treatment for breast cancer.

Now back at work as administrative assistant for Otis, Wasson called the other day to report that Laura Salisbury, the town’s officer manager, was spearheading an effort titled “United We Stand” to help the victims of the attacks on New York City.

“We are having a potluck supper at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Beech Hill School in Otis,” Wasson said. “The proceeds will go directly to New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to help with the attacks that struck our country.”

Wasson added that state Reps. Eddie Povich and Ed Youngblood are expected to attend the benefit.

And, she said, “The children from the school will do letters and pictures, and there will be a big, banner-type card for people to sign.”

The fund-raiser, for which you are requested to make a donation and bring a dish to share, “will also include some little bonus things such as a 50/50 raffle and savings bonds that will be raffled,” Wasson added.

She explained the impetus for the event “was just the general feeling, in the community, that people wanted to do something to help.”

Customers visiting Northern Mattress and Furniture Galleries Friday, Oct. 5, through Monday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Nov. 2, through Monday, Nov. 5, can donate $1 to The Northern New England Division of The Salvation Army.

The donations can be made at the businesses on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, Maine Street in Brunswick, Main Street in Fairfield and Western Avenue in South Portland.

While most of the funds have been earmarked for traditional Salvation Army holiday programs, a portion of the proceeds from this fund-raiser will aid Salvation Army disaster recovery efforts in New York City.

For each $1 donated by customers, the company will contribute $2 to The Salvation Army, which has begun supplying food and counseling, mainly to rescue personnel, following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

For information about this program, contact any Northern Mattress and Furniture Gallery or call 453-9333.

Now through Saturday, Oct. 6, people visiting their banks in Caribou can donate to help victims and survivors of public service personnel who went to the rescue of victims of the World Trade Center attacks.

Individuals and families are urged to turn in their cans and bottles and bring the proceeds to one of the following Caribou banks: Aroostook County Federal Savings and Loan, First Citizens Bank, Katahdin Trust Co., Key Bank, People’s Heritage Bank and County Federal Credit Union.

At each bank you will find a bright red container marked “Community Relief Drive for World Trade Center Victims.”

Additional donations are encouraged and welcome.

Since organizers are absorbing all expenses of the drive, 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to the New York Police and Fire Widow’s and Children’s Fund which distributes the money to NYPD and FDNY widows and children.

For information on this drive, call 493-3302 or 498-6156.

Additionally, The Salvation Army in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont is accepting donations by cash or credit card to help with Salvation Army relief efforts following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Checks can be made payable to Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 3647, Portland 04104-3647.

Credit card donations can be taken during normal business hours by calling 774-6304.

All donations earmarked for the terrorist victims will be forwarded to the proper areas, according to Tom Fodor, divisional development director of The Salvation Army Northern New England Division office in Portland.

The Friday following the attacks, employees of Central Maine Power Co. raised more than $15,000 to help the American Red Cross assist victims and families of those attacks.

And 100 blood donors registered at CMP general offices in Augusta and other company locations with Local 1837 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers cooperating in the contribution drive.

According to CMP president Sara Burns, the company will match each dollar donated by employees with another dollar in shareholder funds provided by parent company Energy East.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.