Swissvale Community Joining Together To Help Fire Victims
SWISSVALE (KDKA) -- Swissvale is coming together to help dozens of people left homeless in that big fire at an apartment building Tuesday night.
The American Red Cross is providing a place to stay for 25 adults and 24 kids, but they're not the only group hoping to help.
"It's very emotional for all the firefighters," said Swissvale Fire Department Assistant Chief "Kip" Deleonibus. "They take pride in their work, so they have a vested interest in the people that they serve. So when we see them down and out, we feel for them."
The fire department has started a fund to help victims of the fire, and have already been getting phone calls from people who wants to donate.
"This community is a very close-knit community, and they've rallied around to help people in the past," said Swissvale Fire Department. Chaplain Eric Baldwin. "And I anticipate people rallying around to help these people, as well."
Monetary donations can be made by check or money order, according to Baldwin.
Their website provides instructions: "Please make out all checks to the SWISSVALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT and clearly mark the memo WOODSTOCK AVENUE FIRE RELIEF."
"Donations may be brought to the Swissvale Fire Department during normal business hours or mailed to our address: Swissvale Volunteer Fire Department - 7400 Irvine Street - Pittsburgh, PA 15218."
Cash can also be donated at Friday night's Fish Fry at the fire department.
The Red Cross will help distribute donations.
Pastor Baldwin says that clothing donations can be dropped off at the Braddock Free Store.
If you have questions, you may write to: victimrelief@swissvalefire.org
A group of churches in the area has a fund to help, too. The Swissvale Ministerium has had an emergency fund to help people for years, and donations collected at a service Wednesday evening will go to that fund.
"Everyone has really pulled together in this community," said Rev. Melissa Morris of Swissvale Presbyterian Church. "Who would we be if we didn't want to help them?"
If you'd like to donate, contributions can be sent to:
Swissvale Ministerium
c/o Madonna Del Castello
2021 South Braddock Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
On the memo line, please note: Fire Fund
Also, the Swissvale and North Braddock fire departments will be donating all counter tips from their Friday Fish Fry to the fire victims. Click here for more information.
