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Ways to help West Philly fire victims

Posted on 13 January 2011 by Mike Lyons

48th and WalnutSeveral opportunities to help those made homeless by the Windermere Court Apartment fire are available around the neighborhoods. The Red Cross closed down its shelter at the Locke School yesterday after helping 132 people, including 10 children. But those folks still need help.

Many of you have passed along stories of donating clothing to the Salvation Army West Philadelphia Community Center at 5501 Market St.. That’s still an option. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The phone number is 215-474-1010. The Red Cross is also still accepting cash donations at their website.

Here are some ways to help in the neighborhoods:

• The neighborhood pub Local 44 (44th and Spruce) is hosting a clothing drive on Monday, Jan. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be tables set up in front of the pub on Spruce Street for people to drop off clothing and for those displaced by the fire to pick up stuff they need. The idea here is to get people clothing that they need right now, so leave your worn out Bermuda shorts at home and dig out a winter coat. Spread the word to anyone who might know someone from Windermere Court who needs help.

Wake Up Yoga West is holding a vinyasa yoga class on Friday, Jan. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. to benefit fire victims. All proceeds from the class, which will be taught by Emily Wishnick, will go to the Red Cross. No minimum donation is required and all levels of practitioners are welcome. You are also welcome to bring clothing to the class, which Wake Up will pass along to the University City District for distribution to victims. You can donate on their website (pay for the class) here.

Mariposa Co-op (4726 Baltimore Avenue) is collecting food and warm clothing for victims today and tomorrow. Their hours are 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

City Kitties has set up an emergency fund to help care for pets affected by the fire. Many people took their pets with them and they now need shelter, food and health care. City Kitties is helping provide that and the West Philly-based organization is also trying to reunite pets with their owners. To donate go to their website here.

The University City District is collecting clothing , coats, shoes and personal hygiene items at its offices at 3940-42 Chestnut St. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The district will pass them along to the Salvation Army.

This is what we have so far. We will add more ways to help to this as we hear about them. If you know of other events or ways to help, please put them in a comment below.

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