Maine Katrina notebook

Maine Turnpike drivers have donated a total of $80,529.05 to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Contributions were collected in orange buckets hung at the turnpike’s 19 toll plazas Friday to Wednesday.

According to turnpike officials, a sum of $73,794.05 was collected in bills and coins. A sum of $6,735 was collected in checks.

The vast majority of contributions was in the range of 50 cents or less, according to officials. Most of the contributions came after drivers received change from paying the toll.

Some motorists dropped as much as $100 in the bucket, officials said.

The Bangor Mall, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, is undertaking a relief effort to support emergency assistance efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims. All donations raised by the alliance will benefit families of victims or provide supplies to local emergency workers.

Local Red Cross representatives will be at Center Court at the mall 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, to collect cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Those who want to volunteer their time should contact the American Red Cross at 941-2903.