I was so sad when I heard about a fire that greatly damaged one of Hallowell’s, and perhaps Maine’s, most beloved restaurants, Slate’s, that occurred on Feb. 25. A good friend of mine, who is originally from that area, told me of the tragedy and how it has brought the surrounding community out to support the decades-old business.

The brick building that housed it was more than 200 years old. I was shocked to find out that Slate’s had employed more than 60 people, who had all suddenly lost their jobs due to the fire. It had not occurred to me until then that there were also several apartments above the restaurant, where it was said an electrical fire may have started the blaze.

I have read that nearly half a dozen tenants have lost their home and belongings, and are now living in temporary housing, having to start from scratch.

The restaurant was one of my personal favorites and one I always looked forward to visiting. These gloomy circumstances have touched me so much that, rather that sitting back and watching from my local area of Wilton, I decided I wanted to join the relief effort, and set up donation cans at eight Farmington businesses.

I hope my surrounding community will also reach out to those affected by the fire. Even a small contribution helps.

Alexandra K. Bennett, Wilton