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Davis Park neighbors rally around fire victims




Davis Park neighbors rally around fire victims

Davis Park neighbors rally around fire victims

Seven families displaced by the June 19 Davis Park Condominium fire in Smryna are gradually making temporary living arrangements with the help of the American Red Cross and a good neighbor.

Christie Chaney-Perry arranged a clothing drive for the families and was able to secure donations with the Red Cross serving as an intermediary.

“I’m raising clothing donations for the seven families who have lost everything,” Chaney-Perry said. “Several residents are staying with family, and others are staying in nearby hotels. One family of four is moving into new housing now.”

The fire started shortly after 6 p.m. on June 19. Two units were heavily damaged by the blaze, and the remaining units suffered heavy smoke and water damage. The eight-unit building has since been condemned by the Smyrna Fire Department, and several families do not have renters insurance.

Residents have only recently been allowed to return to their apartments to try and recover undamaged property and important papers.

“We’ve had a lot of support and response. A lot of people have dropped by with donations,” Chaney-Perry said. “I grew up around here, and a lot of my old high school buddies have stopped by and dropped things off here.

“You help take care of your neighbors. You may not know them by name; you may see them in passing, but if you see people every day, you have a responsibility to reach out and help. It could be you any day.”

Todd Griffin, disaster program manager for the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter, oversees the initial response for those impacted by house fires.

“No one appreciates help from neighbors more than the people who have gone through a fire. Just the offer of assistance is comforting,” Griffin noted. “It is a traumatic experience, a complete disruption of your life, when you’ve lost everything … We are really proud of the folks in Smyrna who step up to the plate like this, and we are grateful for their support.”

Now that basic needs have been met, Chaney-Perry has closed up her donation table, passing the surplus items on to Greenhouse Ministries in Murfreesboro. For those who wish to donate time or items, Greenhouse Ministries may be reached at (615) 494-0499. The American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter may be reached at (615) 893-4272.

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