PRESQUE ISLE – During the past three months, the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to seven house and apartment fires in Aroostook County that displaced seven families.

A total of 18 people, of which five are children, received emergency relief in the form of food, clothing and shelter.

The Red Cross encourages citizens to consider making a donation during the holiday season. To help, contributions can be sent to the Pine Tree Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross, 141 State St. Presque Isle, 04769.