NB CARES collects donations for families displaced by tragic fire
The fire destroyed more than seven houses. Photo via the municipality.
The fire destroyed more than seven houses. Photo via the municipality.
A fire engulfed the 1300 block of 9th Street in North Bergen on March 7. Fueled by strong winds, the fire quickly spread from one house to another, according to the township.
At least seven houses were badly damaged and 11 families displaced. All residents escaped unharmed, which officials credit to the combined efforts of the North Bergen Police Department, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue Services, and North Bergen Emergency Medical Services. .
NB CARES was on the scene to coordinate efforts to assist all victims of the fire and to work with the Red Cross. The township provided a shuttle to transport residents to a hotel and also provided food and emergency supplies.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners met with residents and emergency services personnel to ensure a safe and organized operation.
“We will continue to work with residents during this difficult time,” Sacco said. “Thank you to all first responders for their courageous efforts and to all township officials and elected officials for their support.”
Collection of donations for the victims
The township is collecting donations for fire victims at the North Bergen Recreation Center at 6300 Meadowview Avenue until 6 p.m. March 9.
The item request includes: diapers; baby clothes for an 18 month old baby girl, size 5; baby shoes, size 4; children’s clothes for a 5 year old boy, size 12; children’s clothing for 8 and 10 year old boys, size medium; and clothing for teenagers 12-14 years old, plus size; children’s shoes, sizes 2.5, 3.7 and 6.5; shoes of different sizes for men and women, new or slightly worn; adult clothing for men in sizes small, medium, large and extra large; adult women’s clothing in sizes small, medium, large, extra large and 2XL, as well as women’s scrubs in extra large sizes; new underwear in the package; New socks in the package; new bras.
All clothing must be new with tags or lightly used, and if so, washed or dry-cleaned. Comfortable clothes are ideal at this time, such as leggings, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters and jackets.
Additionally, several GoFundMe fundraisers have been launched for those affected by the fire, including: Jackson Bravo, Scott Henriquez, Schyvonne Cruz, and the Maldonado and Navas families.
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