Editor,

We would like to thank all the people and businesses who assisted in the fundraising to help David and Dawn Bailey who lost their home due to a fire.

We also thank all those wonderful citizens from Windham and beyond that gave donations either by check or in the two donation jars. The spaghetti supper at the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church on the Cottage Road in Windham was well attended and was an overwhelming success.

The support of the following businesses was essential to the success of our fundraiser. We thank the help of some of the staff at Corsetti’s Market for organizing and getting food donated for the spaghetti supper. The donation jar at that store was a great success, also. We thank Thayer’s Store on the River Road for their support, not only at the store but by attending the supper.

Thanks to the help from Evergreen Credit Union, Windham Jewelry and Sunshine Printing we were able to have a successful drive for the Baileys. We know that there were more companies that donated soda, milk and other items but we do not know which ones.

Southern Maine Redemption Center of Windham conducted a bottle drive for the Baileys. The Elm Street United Methodist Church of South Portland also conducted a bottle drive. We never would have thought that such bottle drives would total more than $400!

The assistance of the parishioners of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church was indeed welcomed. Their terrific support ensured that the spaghetti supper and raffle was a complete success. They helped set up for the supper and clean up after the supper. And that help was most welcomed!

We also thank Windham’s two newspapers, The Lake Region Suburban Weekly and the Windham Independent, not only for helping promote the fund drive but also for selling tickets to the spaghetti supper.

We would like to list individuals who assisted in the various events but we get chewed out every time we list names of people who help. Needless to say, their assistance assured a totally successful drive.

Without a doubt, the greatest feeling is that there are people out there that not only donate money but their time and help as well to assist citizens in need.

The check was presented in a quiet ceremony to the Baileys on Monday, Sept 11. That was all we needed for thanks.

It made a somber day, which America will always remember, a better day for Windham.

Land and Susan Hiltunen

Windham