House fires are always a frightening possibility, and this time of year is the beginning of a dangerous time. Sadly, this Sunday morning brought horrific news to the family and friends of the Horton Family of East Orange. Four adults and a six-week old infant, all from the same family, perished in a fire that ravaged three homes and brought over 80 firefighters to the area. Those who have experienced a house fire know the long-term devastation and lasting repercussions of an event such as this. In this case, it is all the more tragic because multiple generations of a family have been affected.
We know the Baristanet family can come together to help those in neighboring East Orange who have been left behind to grapple with the reality of lost homes and mourning family, friends, and neighbors. The financial costs of laying loved ones to rest, dealing with family bills and expenses, and picking up the pieces — all while coping with incredible loss and emotional distress — can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. To defray some of the costs, one of the surviving family members has set up a fund for those willing to donate online.
Some of the most needed items are the most common. Personal hygiene products, trash cans/trash bags, laundry detergent, new pillows/blankets, new shower curtains and rings, new towels, new dish cloths, cleaning supplies, new comforters (not down comforters), new sheet sets. All items should be NEW and unopened, please.
In addition, the City of East Orange’s Office of Emergency Management and the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting with temporary relocation for the survivors. Anyone wishing to donate food or clothing can do so from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Fire Headquarters: 468 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.
- Fire House 2: 60 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.
- Fire House 3: 321 Dodd Street
- Fire House 5: 205 Elmwood Street
- Office of Emergency Management: 402 Springdale Avenue
Those unable to drop off but still wishing to assist with donations can contact Kristin to arrange pick up.
Sincere Condolences. How terribly tragic and sad.
Thank you for posting the links for solidarity.
I really am more than happy to pick up if someone wants to donate items but can’t make it to the firehouses!