Donations Pour In For Victims Of Duquesne Apartment Fire

WEST MIFFLIN (KDKA) -- The sight of all the clothes, shoes, toys for the kids and toiletries was emotional for many.

Everything in the room at the Duquesne Annex Fire Hall in West Mifflin was donated for the victims of a fire last week at the Hilltop Parkview Manor apartments.

More than two dozen families were displaced in the fire. Most got out with just the clothes on their backs.

"I lost everything," said victim Helen Cooper. "I'm overwhelmed. The community came together for us. It's a lot. It's a lot. And I thank them."

After talking with the Duquesne Annex fire chief and a police officer, the owner of DD's Diner knew she wanted to help.

"It started off with just a post on my page, my diner page, 'if you want to donate anything bring it on over,'" said owner DD Rose.

The same day Rose put up the post, the fire chief hauled off nine truck loads of donated goods.

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"To see this and the efforts of the community put in, and even communities far away, North Side, Greenfield, Greensburg, other counties wanna help, it's amazing. There are so many more good people than there are bad and this proves it. This just proves it," Rose said.

The Duquesne assistant fire chief said the coordinated effort has left many feeling overwhelmed by the goodness in people.

"These folks lost everything. But we adapted and we're overcoming and we're rebuilding that quick. And we're putting smiles back on faces," said Asst. Fire Chief Frank Cobb.

It was clear how much it meant to the families who showed up.

"I was grateful to have my life and they replaced me into a new home, so, this is a start," Cooper said.

"I appreciate for everybody trying to do that. Thank you. I just want to say thank you," said Jashawn Kennedy.