Monday, March 19, 2018
Mayor Sarno states, “I am heartened, but not surprised by the outpouring of support that continues to come in the aftermath of the tragic fire at 49 Belmont Ave. – we’ve always been a very caring city. Special thanks goes out to all our city departments, especially Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi’s ‘hands on’ approach, state public safety officials, the American Red Cross, PVTA, First Student, South End Citizens Council, Paul Picknelly of Hilton Garden Inn, neighborhood residents especially Judy Arrington, Maxine Stein and Deirdre Griffin of Jewish Family Service, Fire and Police Chaplains Rev. Cofield and Father Hamilton, and property ownership and management. When we called, they were there. A very special thanks goes out to my friend Imam Wissam Abdul Baki and his team, who when I called came on our site to play an important and pivotal role, not only in facilitating communication with all the involved families, but just as important allowing us to respect Muslim culture and traditions. In turn, my administration announces that Jewish Family Service has been named to accept any and all donations to aid all the families in their time of need. I appreciate their being our conduit. Again, my thoughts and prayers of sympathy and encouragement go out to all the affected families. We will continue to stand with you and by you in your time of need. God Bless.”
Donation information:
Checks can be made out to JFSWM (Jewish Family Service of Western MA) with FIRE in the memo line and sent directly to JFSWM at 15 Lenox St., Springfield, MA 01108. Or, they can be sent to Brian Bedore at TD Bank 561, Sumner Ave, Springfield MA 01108.
Household items (brand new only) can be dropped off at JFSWM at 15 Lenox St., Springfield, MA 01108. Families are in need of bed pillows, twin sheets, queen sheets, bath and hand towels, twin comforters, queen comforters, pots and pans, paper towels and bathroom items including toilet paper, shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste and brushes.