What Can We Do to Help The Victims of the Fire at Sherry Lake?

What Can We Do to Help The Victims of the Fire at Sherry Lake?

1/22/2020

by Brian Coll

I’m still shaking my head as I write this 24 hours after the fire that devastated a portion of Sherry Lake apartments.

First and foremost we are thankful that no one was killed during the blaze that destroyed a building and put neighboring buildings at risk.

We as a community are so very lucky to have so many volunteer firefighters, as well as paid firemen, local caring police departments, fire police, EMT’s from various local ambulance companies and they somehow all work well together for our community. Thank you to everyone.

We have been fielding lots of calls, texts, e-mails and Facebook messages. So many people are asking how they can help, and I wish we had an easy answer…. the tough part is, we don’t know the people involved. These people are scrambling right now, trying to figure out what’s next for them, their families, their pets. While we can’t ask all the people who were put out to show up at our shop, so we have to trust the system in place. Locally that is the Colonial Neighborhood Council. Someone dropped off toothbrushes yesterday and some of these items are already going to the families involved.

If you have gift cards, drop them of to the Colonial Neighborhood Council, as well as clothes, small household appliances.

We have had some people reach out with larger items… Brett Neal (the eye doctor at 9th and Fayette) has a couple of couches and a queen size bed if one of the people or families involved could use it. We have had an offer of a tv stand, another bed. So if you are one of the people put out by the fire we can get you in touch with some locals who have items for you.

Also, if you are one of the families or people who lost everything, and you happen to wear glasses, call Brett Neal at 610-828-9701… his office will be happy to provide replacement eye glasses at NO CHARGE. Give them a call and they are happy to set you up.

A restaurant owner called me and wants to get these people a meal or two, even a couple drinks if you need it! We’ll have those gift cards at Coll’s Custom Framing if you were one of the people displaced in the fire.

So… if you, or someone you know was displaced by the fire, have them reach out to Sandi at the Colonial Neighborhood Council. She has clothes there for you. For your kids… there are toys there. There is food there.

We’re not sure of your living arrangements, but some local realtors have reached out and will help you get into a place as fast as they can.

If you’re reading this, and you were displaced by the fire, we are so sorry, but we are so thankful for the community to help in all these ways. Please reach out. If you know someone affected, make sure they see this.

If you can help out…. drop off food/clothes/toys at the Colonial Neighborhood Council (107 East 4th Ave) If you have larger items, please post in the comments on Facebook and let’s try to get the people who could use them in touch with you.

Thank you to everyone in the community making a positive difference in this horrible situation for all involved.