From UCD: "A five-alarm fire ripped through West Philadelphia Monday afternoon displacing approximately 98 residents, including families with children, students and seniors. More than 160 firefighters battled the five-alarm blaze that raged through the Windermere Court Apartments at 48th and Walnut streets. Clouds of black smoke could be seen as far as Center City. The fire was declared under control at 7:25pm.
"Many residents left their apartment with just the clothing on their backs. University City District is seeking clothing, coats, shoes, personal hygiene items and any other related items for distribution to these residents through the Salvation Army."
DONATE GOODS:
Clothing, coats, shoes, linens, blankets, personal hygiene items and any other related items (but no furniture, please) can be brought to either:
University City District 3940-42 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104 215-243-0555 Drop off Times: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm ~ or ~ The Salvation Army - West Philadelphia (also accepting financial contributions) 5501 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19139 215-474-1010 Drop off Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm
UPDATE: Please label your donations "disaster relief" in order to differentiate them from regular donations. Although it's not required, it would be helpful to separate the clothing before donating, as it makes it easier for distribution and also to keep track of what they have and what is needed. (Separate the clothing by men, women or children, and also, if possible, by size.)
FINANCIAL DONATIONS:
Financial donations to assist with emergency care for the fire victims should be made to either the Salvation Army (info above) or the Red Cross:
American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter 2221 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-299-4000 http://www.redcrossphilly.org/
DONATIONS FOR PETS IMPACTED BY THE FIRE:
From Philadelphia City Kitties: "Many of the Windermere residents had pets, including many cats. So far, City Kitties has learned of 3 or 4 cats who have been pulled from the building alive, even after the fire burned for more than 12 hours. Some residents were also able to get their cats out of the building as they were being evacuated. The PSPCA is temporarily housing animals that have no other place to go, and VHUP has offered free emergency veterinary care." Philly City Kitties is collecting emergency donations for veterinarians, boarding facilities, etc. as well as applications for Windermere residents in need of assistance for their pet through their website: http://citykitties.org
Cedar Park Neighbors sends our sympathies to all of those impacted by this tragedy and our sincere thanks to all who helped fight this blaze and to all who are assisting the Windermere residents to get back on their feet.