Donations at maximum capacity in West Chester after overwhelming response

Monday, November 20, 2017
Donations hit max after West Chester fire
Donations hit max after West Chester fire: Jeannette Reyes reports during Action News at 12:30 p.m. on November 20, 2017.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A spokesperson for the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester says they are overwhelmed by the response of neighbors, but can no longer accept any more donations.

Donations continue for West Chester victims. Bob Brooks reports during Action News at 12:30 p.m. on November 19, 2017.

Donations began being collected at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Good Will Fire Company. By 1:30 p.m., the senior center said they have received so many donations, they cannot take in anymore.

Local hurricane aid group 'Trucks2' who organized the donation drive posted the following to their Facebook page, "Ladies and gentlemen,the outpouring of donations and support has been overwhelming. At this time we are at maximum capacity and will be ENDING THIS DONATION DRIVE AT 3pm!! We thank you for your generosity and request that all scheduled volunteers report to the firehouse for sorting and packing this afternoon and evening."

Donations pour in for West Chester fire victims. Bob Brooks reports during Action News at Noon on November 19, 2017.

Those who stopped by donated walkers, clothes, toiletries, and more that was on the list of the much needed items to help the victims of the devastating fire.

Ted Hartz of Good Will Fire Company said, "It's a great thing to see everyone come together when something like this happens."

Hartz is the president of the Good Will Fire Company, but he's also part of 'Trucks2.'

"If we're going to do something for people in Texas and Florida and Puerto Rico, we've got to do something for people where we live," Hartz said.

Firefighters were called to the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester around 10:30 p.m. Thursday. The massive five-alarm fire forced residents out into the cold.

27 known injuries after West Chester senior home blaze. Jeff Chirico reports during Action News at 11 p.m. on November 17, 2017.

Officials say 27 people were injured, but say others are still unaccounted for.

Bob Lindner says he found his father alone on the sidewalk.

"Wrapped up in blankets, cold and scared," he said.

Lindner says he had those blankets because of nurses and nearby neighbors. But officials say the need is even greater now.

Families of residents in need are invited to pick up the donated supplies on Monday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The cause of this fire is still unknown.

Donations needed for West Chester fire victims. Trish Hartman reports during Action News at 6 a.m. on November 19, 2017.
Officials work to determine cause of West Chester blaze. Bob Brooks reports during Action News at 7 p.m. on November 18, 2017.

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