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The fire tore through the four-story building located at 100 Richards Ave. on Monday evening, displacing dozens of people and leaving all 54 unfit for occupancy. The cause of the fire was later determined to have been caused by discarded smoking materials.
Related story: Dozens left homeless after huge fire at Norwalk condo complex
Westy employees arrived at the scene of the fire and provided those in need with free moving boxes to pack any items that were salvageable, and offered free use of the Westy truck. Now Westy is partnering with the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital to coordinate donations for those affected.
The Veterinary Hospital is located at 726 Connecticut Ave., next to McDonald's, and will serve as a drop off location for donations. Families affected by the fire are in need of everything from undergarments to jackets to toiletries. Gift cards can also be donated.
Westy Self Storage, located at 50 Keeler Ave., across from Home Depot, will be an extension of the donation drive. All items will be temporarily stored and organized at Westy, and then distributed to those in need. Westy is also offering two months of rent-free storage to anyone affected by the fire.
“Westy jumped right in when they heard we were collecting donations for the fire victims,” said Suzanne Gabriele, Fundraising Coordinator of the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital. “They have been beyond helpful in this devastating situation.”
“When we saw the opportunity to assist those in need, we extended our hands to help out,” said Yessenia Martinez, Director of Westy Self Storage, Norwalk. “It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the magnitude of destruction and how many in our community were affected.”
Westy is open seven days a week. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Call (203) 899-1234 or visit www.westy.com for directions.
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