Maine Hardware Stores Rally Support After Robbins Lumber Explosion
Damariscotta Hardware in Damariscotta, Maine, and Randolph Hardware in Randolph, Maine, have launched a Register Round-Up fundraiser to support those affected by the recent fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine.
The fundraiser, now underway at both stores, allows customers to round up purchases at checkout, with donations matched by store co-owner Rob Gardiner and directed through the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation to support relief efforts tied to the tragedy.
The May 15 fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber resulted in multiple injuries, including injuries to firefighters and EMTs, and the line-of-duty death of a firefighter. The incident impacted the Searsmont community, first responders and Maine’s independent lumber and building materials industry.
“When something like this happens in Maine, it affects all of us, especially those of us in the independent hardware and lumber community,” Gardiner says. “Robbins Lumber has served this state for generations, and our hearts are with the first responders, the Robbins family, their employees, and everyone impacted.”
The fundraiser runs through June 6 at Damariscotta Hardware, located at 423 Main St. in Damariscotta, and Randolph Hardware, at 244 Water St. in Randolph.
“Independent hardware stores and lumberyards are more than businesses. They are part of the fabric of their communities,” Gardiner says. “We know many of our customers have been looking for a way to help, and we are grateful for every contribution, large or small.”
Damariscotta Hardware and Randolph Hardware are locally owned members of Do it Best serving homeowners and contractors across Midcoast and central Maine.
