Firefighters Handout Gift Cards to Displaced Residents
posted 6:57 pm Sun December 23, 2007 - Beltsville, Md.
Volunteer Firefighters in Beltsville were out Sunday offering displaced residents a shopping excursion of kindness after a wind-blown fire struck the Cherry Glen condominiums.
"A lot of people who lost everything," said displaced Cherry Glen resident Natalie Isaac. "At least we have some help." Isaac along with her daughter Zoe were some of the 30 families who lost their home after a three-alarm fire broke out there last Monday. The fire damaged 34-units and destroyed 18 others.
Sunday, some of the same fire volunteers who came to the rescue nearly a week ago, met with 12 of the families donating toys, household necessities, and food.
"I know this is only a little dent," said Beltsville Volunteer Fire Chief Al Schwartz. "But at least they know we're here for them, even after the fire, and we'll be here for 'em." Patricia Medina, with her one-year-old son David, came back to survey the damage to their home. She wanted to thank the first responders.
"They were very kind. They really did a good job. They work very hard." Medina said.
"I think that makes the whole ordeal bearable," Isaac explained. "Knowing you have a lot of people looking after you, trying to be supportive, especially around this time."
Fire investigators believe a candle left burning in a second flood apartment caused the fire.
The volunteers have collected $4,000 in store gift cards to help out.
About 100 residents will be forced to spend the holiday at a red cross designated hotel or with family members.
"A lot of people who lost everything," said displaced Cherry Glen resident Natalie Isaac. "At least we have some help." Isaac along with her daughter Zoe were some of the 30 families who lost their home after a three-alarm fire broke out there last Monday. The fire damaged 34-units and destroyed 18 others.
Sunday, some of the same fire volunteers who came to the rescue nearly a week ago, met with 12 of the families donating toys, household necessities, and food. "I know this is only a little dent," said Beltsville Volunteer Fire Chief Al Schwartz. "But at least they know we're here for them, even after the fire, and we'll be here for 'em." Patricia Medina, with her one-year-old son David, came back to survey the damage to their home. She wanted to thank the first responders.
"They were very kind. They really did a good job. They work very hard." Medina said.
"I think that makes the whole ordeal bearable," Isaac explained. "Knowing you have a lot of people looking after you, trying to be supportive, especially around this time."
Fire investigators believe a candle left burning in a second flood apartment caused the fire.
The volunteers have collected $4,000 in store gift cards to help out.
About 100 residents will be forced to spend the holiday at a red cross designated hotel or with family members.
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