Raymond Community Continues To Reach Out And Help Fire Victims

RAYMOND, NH - Monday a fire destroyed a 24-unit apartment building leaving 40 people homeless, and in most cases, with only the clothes they fled the fire in.

Members of the greater Raymond community came together with an outpouring of support with donations that were collected at the Raymond High School.

Friday Raymond Superintendent Tina McCoy announced that donated items for those affected by the fire at Sunview Apartments earlier this week are available for pick up at Raymond High School through mid-March.

Starting next week, storage units will be set up in the parking lot of Raymond High School to house all the donated items that have not yet been claimed by residents impacted by the Sunview Apartment fires. The items will be organized by type and size, and placed into the labeled units for residents to choose from according to Superintendant McCoy.

Items that have been donated and are available to be picked up include clothing of all types and sizes, footwear, outerwear, bedding, bins, and boxes.

The storage units were donated by Kris Spanks from the local U-Haul rental company.

The storage pods will be accessible from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until March 12. Those affected by the Sunview Fire are encouraged to come to the pods in the next two weeks to select items that can be of use to them during this difficult time, and as they move forward to obtain new housing.

Those picking up items from the storage unit are asked to wear a mask or face covering while doing so, and to practice social distancing.

“Over the last week, our community has shown that we will always rally to support those in need,” Superintendent McCoy said. “We are fortunate to be able to offer these resources and items for families who lost their home during the devastating fire on Monday. Thank you to everyone who donated items and to Kris Spanks for donating the storage pods to house these items.”

The school district is continuing to work closely with the Town of Raymond to support citizens affected by the fire. All further donations should be directed to the Town of Raymond, except monetary donations that are specifically intended to be used to support the education of Raymond students displaced by the fire.

Those who desire to donate items that are specifically needed should coordinate with Denise O’Grady, the Welfare Director for the Town of Raymond via email at dogrady@raymondnh.gov.

Breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided at no cost for any individual affected by the fire until further notice. Those who wish to receive pre-ordered bagged meals should contact School Nutrition Services Director Judy DiNatale at 603-895-6616 ext. 2345 or at j.dinatale@sau33.com.