The Tri-County Red Cross Helps Hillside Family After Fire Destroys Home

Molly Lenz, a Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteer, arrived as the Hillside firefighters were finishing up extinguishing the fire that left three families homeless. She was told the victims had been taken to police headquarters after their lives took a turn nobody expected or wanted. 

The fire started from an electrical short in an exhaust fan in the delicatessen a police officer told her and motioned to two women sitting on a bench inside police headquarters. Tiffany Townsend, Mahalia Jackson and their cat shared apartment number four on Maple Avenue in Hillside when the fire ripped through forcing everyone to evacuate.  

"They were still in shock, not knowing where they were going to sleep, how they were going to eat and what they would be using for clothing. I answered their questions and told them the Red Cross would provide lodging at a local hotel and financial assistance to purchase clothing and food," Lenz said.  

Lenz, who started volunteering with the Red Cross three years ago after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. With friends living in New Orleans, it thoroughly frustrated her because it seemed not enough was being done to help people in the affected areas.  So she contacted the Tri-County Red Cross, attended training, but was not able to assist in the Southern states due to work obligations.  Instead Lenz has been helping local people as a Disaster Assistance Team member.  Since July over 100 families in this area have received help during disasters, mostly house fires.   

"Molly is a great example of a concerned resident wishing to make difference during a major disaster and transitioning her energy to local victims," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-County Red Cross.  "Local victims like Ms. Townsend and Ms. Jackson are beginning to put their life back on 'track' because our Disaster Action Team Volunteers were there when they needed it the most."   

To join Lenz as a volunteer for the Tri-County Red Cross, call 908-756-6414 or visit www.tricountyredcross.org.