Aid for homeless fire victims    

[MAY 20, 2005]  Eight families were affected by the landmark fire of Sunday, May 9. When the fire struck three apartment houses in the 100 block of South Logan Street, it left a number of families without a home or possessions. Some lost everything they owned.

Local relief agencies, Salvation Army, Red Cross and community stepped up to the plate to help all the families in their immediate need. Temporary food and shelter were arranged, and then the agencies helped tenants find and pay for (as needed) more permanent housing.

Community Action contacted a local landlord, Lu Murphy, to see if she had any apartments available. She did not. But Murphy said she felt compelled to help the families in their time of crisis. "I didn't have any money, so what could I do?" she said. These families had lost everything.

Murphy has set up three boxes to collect goods. She has also set up 36 jars around town and an account at CEFCU for financial donations.

The families need everything from clothing to household items to toys.

More specifically their needs include all kitchen things. Cooking pots and pans, containers, sealable storage containers, and other items are needed.

Bedding is also needed. Some blankets have been received, but the families could use more. Jake's Furniture has donated some mattresses.

Clothing needs:

• Men's sizes: 30x34, 30x32, 32x28, 32x30, 32x32, 48x32, 29x32, 30x30, 32x34 pants; small-3X shirts; 8½-10 shoes
• Boys' sizes: 8 slim pants; 7-8 tops
• Girls' sizes: 8 pants; 10-12 tops and pants; 14-16 tops

Toys and activity items for kids: 6-year-old boy and girls 7, 8 and 10. 

Murphy is helping oversee the funds from the account set up at CEFCU and dispersing them to the people as needed as money comes in. “It is all going to them in certificates to stores for groceries and clothing, landlords, or for utilities,” Murphy said.

Drop boxes are located at IGA, Kroger and Lincoln Land Communications.

You can make donations to the Logan Street Fire Fund at CEFCU.

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