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All funds support the individuals affected by the Fountain Street fire
Allentown, PA, December 16, 2019 – More than 400 donors contributed over $130,000 to support the members of 13 households whose lives were disrupted by the devastating October 20 fire that destroyed eight homes on Fountain Street in Allentown.
“We are proud to be part of such a strong community that has come together to help the families affected by this fire. This combined effort demonstrates the power of the volunteers, organizations, and generous donors in the Lehigh Valley,” said Peter Brown, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter.
Contributions were collected from October 22 through December 16 through the Fountain Street Fire Fund. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV), Community Action Community of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) and American Red Cross Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter coordinated the relief effort.
The Fountain Street Fire Fund is no longer collecting funds. UWGLV has distributed all funds to CACLV for direct distribution to the families and individuals affected by the fire; a full report will be shared by CACLV with the community shortly. One hundred percent of the funds have been used to aid those affected by this disaster, including eight households that were permanently displaced. Any funds received after December 16, 2019 will be redirected to American Red Cross Lehigh Valley-Bucks Chapter to support future disaster relief efforts in our region.
“We don’t want people getting assistance by luck or by some kind of prejudgement,” says Alan Jennings, Executive Director at Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley. “There needs to be a systematic way that understands the circumstances of each family and how we can help them. And our donors need to know that their benevolence is being carefully stewarded.”
“More than 400 individuals and organizations united to support the individuals and families affected by the fire. This outpouring of support shows how much neighbors care about each other in the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Mission of Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley
The mission of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley is to improve the quality of life by building a community in which all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. www.caclv.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Celebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org
