Fire Rips through Helping Hand Thrift Shop in Brookfield

Fire caused extensive damage Thursday night to Helping Hand Thrift Shop, 6726 Grand Blvd. in Brookfield, according to a news release.

No one was in the building when the fire broke out around 11 p.m.

"It was a devastating fire," Brookfield Fire Chief Patrick Lenzi told the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. "Every piece of merchandise on the first floor was consumed."

The shop is closed and unable to accept donation items, but financial contributions are being accepted at 708-352-3580 or hhcenter.org.

“This will not stop us from continuing to serve our clients and fulfill our mission of assisting persons with developmental disabilities achieve their highest level of independence through quality programs and services,” said Mary Beth Hepp, executive director of Helping Hand Center in Countryside, which operates the thrift shop.

Proceeds from the shop benefit the Helping Hand organization and serves as a job training site for students who work with Helping Hand’s Employment Services Department, according to its website.