Local Families Receive Help After House Fires Over Thanksgiving Weekend

The Tri-County Red Cross responded to two post-Thanksgiving fires affecting two families in our chapter area. On November 28^th, there was another fire on Chestnut Street in Roselle Park (see earlier fire report also on Chestnut Street) where Mr. Richmond Matthews was left with major damage to his apartment due to a short in a heater.  Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers Joe Czarnecki, Molly Lenz, and Tony Minieri provided short term housing and financial assistance for food and clothing.

On November 30^th, DAT volunteer Joe Czarnecki responded to a single home fire in Plainfield, where the Dunn family of four including two children, needed our assistance for short term housing, food and clothing. The fire, which started in their basement, is still under investigation.

This November we assisted 59 people, including 18 children with hotel, food and clothing assistance totaling over $12,500. Last year in November we helped 31 people, including 11 children with assistance totaling just over $6,600.

You can help replenish the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund by donating online or calling (908) 756-6414 and asking for Corinna.

If you are interested in becoming a disaster volunteer or receiving free disaster training, please call Mike at (908) 756-6414 x15.