A massive fire at a Carpentersville apartment complex in suburban Illinois has left many residents without homes.
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In response, a wave of donations has been pouring in to support those affected by the disaster.
By Sunday, the last of the displaced residents had vacated the temporary shelter. Many have found provisional housing with relatives or in nearby hotels.
On Sunday, volunteers were busy sorting through a vast array of clothing and personal items as donations continued to arrive at the Carpentersville Public Works Department.
The influx was so overwhelming that a sign was put up asking donors to send their contributions elsewhere.
Neighbor Elena Palomo expressed her motivation to assist, saying, “I am trying to help the people who need it. I talked to my god, and he said go to see. Go to see.”
“I got some brand-new coats, and I wanted to give them to these people directly. I don’t want them to go to anybody. I want them for these people that lost everything,” Brian Gilly said.
Twenty-three families were displaced by the Saturday morning fire that firefighters said started somewhere on the first floor and extended up to the roof.
Now, the entire building is fenced off. Residents are unable to go inside to see if anything can be salvaged.
“The fire department was out there earlier with some residents. Since it’s boarded up it’s not safe right now. We are not allowing anyone else in there at this time,” Carpentersville Village President John Skillman said.
Even as those displaced have now found temporary places to stay, and their immediate emergency needs are being met, officials are calling on residents to redirect their generosity in the form of cash donations.
For those wanting to help the displaced find a new home, village officials recommend making that cash donation directly to the Red Cross and note that the money is to be used for the Carpentersville apartment fire relief.
