Maine Hardware Stores Donate $10K to Robbins Lumber Relief Fund

Damariscotta Hardware and Randolph Hardware presented a $10,000 donation to the Maine Strong Foundation following a successful Register Round-Up campaign supporting those affected by the May 15 fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine. The campaign invited customers to round up their purchases at checkout, with donations matched by store co-owner Rob Gardiner. 

“When we launched this campaign, we knew our customers would want to help,” said Rob Gardiner, co-owner of Damariscotta Hardware and Randolph Hardware. “Their response was truly inspiring. Together, we were able to show our support for the Robbins family, the families of those who lost their lives, the injured first responders and everyone whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy.” 

The fundraiser was launched in response to the devastating explosion at Robbins Lumber, which claimed the lives of Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross, Searsmont assistant fire chief Wayne Woodbury and Alden Robbins, co-owner and vice president of sales at Robbins Lumber, who died July 2 from injuries sustained in the incident. The explosion also seriously injured numerous firefighters, first responders, Robbins Lumber employees and members of the Robbins family, leaving a lasting impact on communities across Maine and the state’s independent lumber and hardware industry. 

“The recovery continues long after the headlines fade,” Gardiner says. “We’re grateful to every customer who rounded up their purchase and helped make this donation possible. It’s another reminder of how Maine communities come together to support one another during life’s most difficult moments.”