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Community gathers to help Terrace fire families

LEWISTOWN — When news struck that 10 families were displaced due to a fire that took place on Sunday, Jan. 26 groups, organizations, businesses and concerned citizens stepped up one by one to help those in need.

Eleven homes on the Juniata Terrace received damage by fire, smoke and water, leaving those families without everything they need and love. Borough officials were contacted within minutes after news struck from not only the Red Cross but so many others offering their help.

“One of the neighbors across the street took in four different families during the fire,” says Caitie Noland, secretary.

Heritage Fire Company, one of the fire companies that helped extinguish the blaze, offered their banquet room as a drop-off location for clothes and other necessities.

First Quality of Lewistown donated a skid of diapers, wipes and toilet paper.

The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology is hosting a benefit dinner on Friday, with all proceeds going to the victims.

Hoss’s Steak House is also conducting a fundraiser on Feb. 21. When you have dinner at Hoss’s, up to 25 percent of your check will go to the victims.

Food trucks like Sinister Mini Donuts and Solid Gold Concessions were accepting gift cards on behalf of the Terrace victims.

Harshbarger’s Sub ‘N Malt is also conducting a gift card drive at both of their locations in McVeytown and Mifflintown.

Community Connected, a Facebook group created by a mother of five who just wanted to help people get the things they need, also stepped up to help.

Fellow fire victim and former Terrace resident, Rachel Glendye, now residing in Mifflintown, and others, have taken matters into their own hands when they noticed there was a need in their community to help people get the things they need.

“There are no transactions of any kind, usually individuals reach out letting us know what they need and we help”, says Glendye.

Her team took garbage bags full of clothing and other necessities like shampoo and toothpaste for the victims.

Landlords from all over were taking to social media to offer homes to affected families.

It didn’t end there. Local rescues were assisting in making sure even the furry family members got the necessities they needed.

Prince Pack, a Facebook group run by a local family that fosters, works with rescues and shelters, rehabilitates animals with medical and behavioral problems. They also network animals looking for homes, connect local people with resources for supplies and food assistance, clinics for vetting, etc. Roff Cattery and Pets Come First donate to this group as well. For the fire victims, Prince Pack has a stockpile which includes crates, food, treats, toys, pet taxis, blankets, leashes, litter, litter boxes, harnesses, baby gates and more.

“The community quickly stepped up for these individuals and it’s just a great thing to see,” Noland said.

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