Families of Avenel Fire Begin Claiming Donated Goods

The of donated goods for the families of the Woodbridge Village Apartments fire are being distributed to those who need it.

The families affected by the have been coming to the to pick up clothing, food, water, toiletries, children's toys, and other necessities as they begin to .

"Right now we're doing much better," said Jackie Turnbull, who has been helping to organize the effort all week.  "Most of the people who've come by are very happy and thankful."

Following the strong outpouring of support, Turnbull stressed once again that the church no longer needs clothes, but rather gift cards and monetary donations for the affected families.  Those donations are currently being accepted at and the .

The pile of clothing that had yet to be sorted Thursday evening was completely gone by Friday, as volunteers worked in the un-air-conditioned church gymnasium Wednesday night and throughout the day Thursday to organize the outpouring of items.

Turnbull noted that about 30 families had come by to collect donated goods as of 6 PM Friday.  At least 52 apartments were destroyed in the blaze.

The church gymnasium, located on Kirk Street, will be open Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM for families affected by the fire.  After that, at least some of the unclaimed donated items will remain at the church, according to Turnbull, for it's monthly Clothes Closet, a community outreach program open on the last Saturday of every month.