More than 50 apartments were affected by the weekend fire at the 1200 block of East Dallas Ave.
“When I opened the door, it was black it was smoke,” said Edith Ramirez.
Since the fire, Edith has gone back to the building only to see her apartment destroyed.
“Ya it’s completely gone. I have nothing left,” she said.
Ramirez like 37 other families have seeked shelter at the Knights Inn.
The American Red Cross is paying for this lodging until Wednesday.
The Salvation Army has agreed to help the victims with shelter for a month.
Sasha Cruz with the American Red Cross said in just a couple of hours, 34 financial assistance cases were opened.
Since then the number has increased to 38.
“Everybody had a place to stay that night. They had food to eat and they had clothes to wear. A lot of them got out of there with just what they were wearing," said Cruz.
19 children from McAllen ISD were also affected by the fire.
The school district sent a school bus Tuesday morning to the Knights Inn to make sure the kids had a ride to school.
“We want them to come back to school so they’re life can feel as normal as it possibly can,” said Glenda McClendon, MISD's coordinator of counseling and guidance.
The district has set up an office to continue assistance for these families.
The following is a list of how you can help donate to the victims:
Drop off donations at McAllen ISD State & Federal Programs office is at 2000 N. 23rd St. in Portable Bldg. No. 74.
The families are in need of the following:
- Car seat (at least 2);
- Diapers (size 3);
- Clothing for children ages 24 months to 5T;
- Clothing for adults (men and women);
- Hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo);
- Food vouchers (immediate);
- Hotel vouchers (immediate) and/or;
- Suitcases or plastic tubs to carry their personal belongings
Donation Contact Info
South Texas Red Cross (956) 787-7851 or Click Here
Food Bank RGV - (956) 682-8101 or Click Here
Salvation Army McAllen - (956) 682-1468 or Click Here
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