Area town officials are encouraging their residents to give to the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund, which was started by the Canadian town’s partner community, Farmington, in the wake of the July 6 train disaster in Lac-Megantic. 

The local fundraising effort has collected about $10,600 so far, according to Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis.

A five-person delegation of Mainers visited Lac-Megantic last week and reported the Quebec town is overwhelmed with food and clothing donations but still needs cash donations to help with the rebuilding effort. Canadian officials say 47 people died in the train derailment and subsequent fire.

Fairfield Town Manager Josh Reny encouraged attendees and television viewers of a recent Town Council meeting to go to their local TD Bank branch to donate to the fund. Reny said he was prompted to take the action after receiving a request from Davis to help get the word out.

On Tuesday, Oakland Town Manager Peter Nielsen said town officials have circulated a letter encouraging municipal employees and members of the community to donate to the effort.

The town has offered to serve as a collection point. Donations can be made out to “Town of Oakland” and marked “Lac-Megantic Relief Fund.”

Skowhegan selectmen voted Tuesday to take $1,000 from the Mary C. Brainerd Worthy and Unfortunate Poor Trust Fund to donate to the cause.

Davis said the money will be sent to the town government of Lac-Megantic to use as needed. Donations can be made at any TD Bank branch.

Donations also can be made through the Canadian Red Cross through their website at www.redcross.ca.