CANTON – Selectman Jackie Conant said more than $7,000 has been donated by individuals and businesses from all over the state to help flood victims. A small portion of that money was given out at Christmastime. The rest will be distributed through an application process devised by Community Concepts in Paris.

Emergency personnel and the highway crew, as well as others, were applauded Tuesday night for the long hours they put in during the flood and the aftermath.

“I hope you realize how much they did by Monday,” said Selectman Sue Gammon. “Ten men put in 800 hours. We owe them a great deal of gratitude.”

Fire Chief Wayne Dube also praised residents for keeping their cool during a stressful time.

“None of you blew up at the people who tried to help,” he said.

Community Concepts was cited as a great organizer when many state and local agencies flocked to Canton.

“If it wasn’t for Community Concepts, a lot of stuff wouldn’t have gotten done,” said Administrative Assistant Kathy Hutchins.

Dianne Ray was praised for putting together an initial estimate of damage the Monday after the flood, and Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Dixfield, for helping out throughout the emergency.

“One Community Concepts person said in all her years of working for the agency, she had never seen a town pull together as much as this town. I hope we can continue to work together,” Gammon said.