Fire Ruins Donations for Kids in Need in Kalamazoo. Can you Help?
If you missed it, last weekend a storage unit fire occurred near downtown Kalamazoo. You can read the original story below:
While no one was injured, as far as I know, I have learned that the storage unit unfortunately contained school supplies that had been raised for low-income students. Left with nothing, our help is now needed.
Aims Kidz, judging by their Facebook page, works incredibly hard to help youth in need in Kalamazoo. They had been collecting items needed for the start of school with their event for the giveaway of these items scheduled for tomorrow, 8/20. With that being said, they obviously had a large amount of donations stored away all of which were lost in the fire. You can see a video of the aftermath below:
Thankfully, a lot of people have stepped up to try to help fulfill the loss but, more help is needed.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Tyvon Humphry at Interfaith Homes, who sponsors Aims Kidz. He expressed gratitude for those who had already stepped up to help after this unforeseen event and gave me a list of items still needed. It includes:
- Shoes for kids age K-12
- Clothing
- Backpacks
- Pens/pencils
- Journals
- Tables and chairs
- Event tents
As well, a recent Facebook post from Aims Kidz requested hygiene products for kids and teens both boys and girls. That includes items like:
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Female personal products
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste
If you don't have time to stop by a store to buy items needed for donations you're more than welcome to drop off a monetary donation at interfaith homes and neighborhood apartments. Their address is 1037 Interfaith Blvd. in Kalamazoo.
For those in need, Aims Kidz event is tomorrow, Friday 8/20, from 4-6pm. You can find more information on Aims Kidz Facebook page or reach out to Interfaith Homes at 269-382-0012.