Three temporary drop-off locations to accept donations to help those impacted by a weekend fire in Chatham have been set up.
Fire badly damaged parts of 99 McNaughton Ave. W. on the weekend, impacting 90 of 120 units.
The drop-off sites include Betty Brite Dry Cleaners and Laundromat at 108 Keil Dr. S. in Chatham, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Skyline building at 150 Mary St. in Chatham, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. seven days a week, and the Skyline building at 805 Grand Ave. W in Chatham at the same time as Mary Street. Donation bins will be placed inside the front door at both locations.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is co-ordinating the effort as the affected building at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. is a municipally owned rent geared-to-income facility.
Needed items include adult clothing for men and women; hygiene products and food items.
Many of the displaced residents are staying in hotel rooms and are unable to cook food.
Non-perishable food is appreciated, such as items like peanut butter; fruit cups, cereal, granola bars, juice boxes, tea bags, instant coffee, sugar and powered creamer.
Meanwhile, the Chatham Retirement Resort has been working with the municipality to help accommodate senior tenants requiring accommodation in the wake of the fire.
Officials at the Resort on Keil Drive report that about 10 people are confirmed to be moving into the residence.
Pet and Wildlife (PAWR) at 405 Park Ave. E. in Chatham is also seeking donations of dog food, cat food and kitty litter for pets that have been temporarily rehomed.
