Pocono News Section

Two Families Get Help After Fires

Two Families Get Help After Fires - Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 4:32PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 @ 04:32pm EST

TAMAQUA, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- People streamed through the doors of St. John's United Church of Christ here Christmas Eve, with donations for families who lost everything in fires.

"It's very emotional this time of year, and we wanted to do something for the family," said Lori Lewis, with the Tamaqua Girl Scouts, one of the organizing groups. "We have just been overwhelmed with the outpouring from the community. Even people from the Wilkes-Barre area who saw it on the news and drove down here today took the time from their families to help out other families."

They're collecting clothes, toys, and monetary donations for the Valentine family and Soley family. The Valentines and their eight children got out of their burning home on Washington Street in Tamaqua Wednesday. But they had no renters' insurance and lost everything. The Soley family of Hometown lost many of their belongings in a fire earlier this month. They have three children.

"Even though the economy is bad and people are suffering, they're still willing to go out and make a difference and do the right thing for everybody else," added Lewis.

If you'd like to contribute clothes, appliances, or other necessities, you're asked to contact the Salvation Army in Tamaqua at 668-0410.

If you'd like to make monetary contributions only, you can contact Lewis at 610-462-2884.