City helps reorganize donation efforts after Fall River fire

With overwhelming support coming in from multiple communities after a deadly New Years Day fire at the Four Winds apartment complex in Fall River, city leaders joined local charities to set up two locations for people wanting to donate to the roughly 80 people affected by the blaze.

Mayor Jasiel Correia said the support has been so overwhelming, a consolidation was needed to help the victims and to let the public know how they can help.

“We are trying our best as a community and come together and we’re doing a fantastic job,” Correia said. “We’re now trying to coordinate those efforts in a way that’s very effective.”

The city has been using emergency federal funds and working closely with charities to help people displaced find a home.

Leaders are also asking the public to donate necessities, including clean clothes, toiletries and food.

“People may not have a kitchen right now, may not have access to cook their own food,” he said.

Richard Aguiar is the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Emergency Management Director of Fall River. He said the blaze is unprecedented in his tenure and it’s hard handling such a large scale tragedy.

“When you have 36 apartments plus 80 residents displaced, it’s an enormous, enormous feat to take care of everyone,” he said. “It’s been a great outpouring from the city.”

Mayor Correia said an event to help the victims will be held at City Hall on January 8 between 1:00p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Victims will go to city hall for anything they need, including pharmaceutical needs, locksmiths for cars, license replacement and much more.

Those without transportation can contact city hall to arrange a ride.

If you would like to donate to victims, here’s what you should know:

.Clean clothing and toiletries can be dropped off at Greater Fall River Re-creation. 45 Rock St. Fall River, MA.

.Gift Cards can be dropped off at city hall on the fourth floor. 1 Government Center Fall River, MA.

. Monetary donations to the Firefighters Wives Association can be mailed to: PO Box 423, Somerset, MA, 02726.

Donations can also be made on the group’s GoFundMePage.