'Mountain' Of Donations Pours In To Help Ashwood Fire Victims

POTTSTOWN, PA — Thursday night's fire at the Ashwood Apartments displaced nearly four dozen households, and community response was huge, with a "mountain" of donations to local fire departments.

Pottstown's Norco Fire Company had to halt donations and ask people to give gift cards or money to help victims. The fire company said the response from the Ashwood Apartments fire has been "greater than anyone could have possibly predicted." The fire company said organizations who are helping have been "flooded by generosity" from the community.

Thirty emergency response teams responded to the July 30 fire at Ashwood Apartments in North Coventry Township. The blaze completely destroyed the complex, sending seven by ambulance for emergency treatment and displacing 100 people.

Development and Outreach Manager for Orion Communities Yvette Blanding said, "From our understanding, 43 households are now displaced." Orion Communities of Phoenixville assists people with shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and other needs.

"As a result of that tremendous generosity the capacity of the (Norco) Fire Company has reached a maximum level and has far exceeded the needs in the way of material items and food donations," the fire company said. Norco Fire Company asks that those who want to help consider gift cards and monetary donations. Donations can be mailed to: 144 W. Schuylkill Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.

Royersford Fire Department said, "We're in awe of the outpouring of support for those who lost everything in an instant." The department described "mountains of supplies, including food, clothing, and toiletries. "Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected by the fire in North Coventry."

Norco Fire Company told the community, "Thank you for your generosity, the Norco Fire Company greatly appreciates the outpouring of support for the victims of this terrible tragedy."