Pam Webb, manager of the Do-All Material Assistance Center store at Center and Pine shows warehouse nearly filled with donated items for fire victims.
Donations of Clothing, Household Items Pour in for Manor House Fire Victims
Red Cross East Shoreline Chapter Locating Housing for Many Homeless
Donors shuttle in and out of the Do-All Center with clothing and household items for fire victims.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
Bay County residents are known for their charity.
That fact is being proven daily at the Do-All Material Assistance Center, Pine and Center avenues, Essexville.
That's where Pam Webb, store manager, Crystal Corrion, Larry Mead and other staff members are being swamped with donations from the public intended for the victims of last week's fire at the Manor House apartments, 1412 Kosciuszko Ave.
"The week before last this entire warehouse was empty," said Ms. Webb, waving her hand across the now nearly filled 50 foot wide by 200 foot long space.
"People have really been good about bringing in things the folks need who were displaced by the fire," she added. About eight families of the 19 families made homeless by the fire have already come in to pick up things they need.
The Do-All Center is the central collection point for material assistance while the American Red Cross-East Shoreline chapter is handling relocation of the families into suitable housing. Some are being placed temporarily in motels until apartments or houses can be found.
There is a buzz of activity. Well-wishers and people of good will pour out their hearts and their help to fire victims.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
Ryan Manz, disaster assistance director for the East Shoreline Chapter of the American Red Cross, 228 Washington Ave., said there were only four children living in the apartment building. Three of the children were under age three and one is a five-year-old, he said. Most of those are staying with families and friends.
"One couple came in here wearing just their pajamas," he said. "We were able to work with them and put them on the right path and they are both going back to work."
The Red Cross is still seeking information about apartments available especially from landlords who are willing to work with the victims on housing deposits and rental payments, said Mr. Manz.
"We actually had citizens come in who offered empty rooms in their homes for the victims in need," he added.
Some victims have not yet been in touch with the agency but Manz said he expected more people to contact them today.###
So much to do. Do-All workers are on the job - Sorting and preparing goods for needy fire victims.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
Dave Rogers
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Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read, respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City. (Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)
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