An inferno engulfed a West Philadelphia apartment building Monday afternoon. “Thank God nobody was hurt but it hurts inside,” said one fire victim. It took about 140 Firefighters almost five hours to bring under control a five-alarm blaze at the Windermere Court Apartments. The fire broke out around 2:35 p.m. at the four-story building at 48th and Walnut Streets and flames quickly spread. About 90 units were affected, according to the Red Cross. The fire continued to burn out of control as of 6 p.m. engulfing all three wings of the building.

“In the blink of an eye one minute you’re comfortable, you have a place to stay and you’re not homeless,” said fire victim Victor Neale. “Reality sets in, I’m homeless, I have nothing.” In the end at least 100 people were left homeless Monday night.

HOW YOU CAN HELP BELOW…

Clothing

The Salvation Army is taking clothing donations for the victims. You can take clothing directly to the Salvation Army located at:

The Salvation Army West Philadelphia

5501 Market St.

Philadelphia, PA 19139

215-474-1010

Drop off Times: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm * they will be closed, Monday, January 17, 2011

They are in need of clothing for men, women and children. Although it’s not required, it would be helpful to seperate the clothing before donating, as it makes it easier for distribution and also to keep track of what they have and what is needed. If possible, seperate the clothing by men, women or children, and also possible by size.

Also, the Salvation Army does provide receipts for donations to be used for tax purposes.

Financial

Note: I would actually advise for you to find victims and give them money as opposed to this method seeing as how money was handled by the Red Cross during Hurrican Katrina in New Orleans & earthquake in Haiti.

Financial donations should be made to Red Cross, they can be made online and they can be contacted here:

Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter:

American Red Cross

Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

2221 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: 215-299-4000

Fax: 215-299-4031

Web site: http://www.redcross-philly.org/

Props: Niesha