This roomful of donated goods, collected by River Wards residents for the displaced victims of a Memphis Street fire, was opened to the victims on Sunday, August 11.
The Port Richmond community continues to help its neighbors get back on their feet after their homes were destroyed.
Volunteers opened a roomful of donated goods on Sunday, Aug. 11, to the residents of five Memphis Street homes destroyed during a massive fire on July 21.
On Aug. 10, more than 100 members of Port Richmond’s Firm Hope Baptist Church and Disney-Nichols A.M.E. Church came together to hold the “Memphis Street Because We Care” benefit concert to raise money for the victims of the fire.
During the concert, which featured music by local singers, donations totaled more than $2,000, bringing total donations for the victims to about $4,000, excluding gift cards and gift certificates, according to Diane Harcum, minister of finances at Firm Hope.
The Memphis Street fire was reported at 1:09 a.m. on Sunday, July 21. It began when a 32-year-old male started a fire with an unknown incendiary device at 2842 Memphis St., reportedly during a domestic-related disturbance, according to police.
Philadelphia Police Department Public Affairs officer Jill Russell said that police are currently still searching for the arsonist at press-time, but declined to release his name.
Donations for victims have also been collected at Mother of Divine Grace Catholic Church, Memphis Street Academy Charter School, Fishtown’s liberti church east and Anthony’s Café, and the Port Richmond office of State Rep. John Taylor. ••
