During a press conference Friday morning, where he also announced the departure of Police Chief Elias Vazquez, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran said the city will host a Fire Victim Support Drive to assist residents displaced by a recent fire on the 100 block of North 5th Street.
Moran acknowledged the impact on families and called on the community to step forward with donations. In a subsequent press release, the city provided details of the effort, encouraging residents to contribute new clothing, shoes, toys, and gift cards. Gift cards are especially requested, officials noted, as they allow families to purchase items in the sizes and styles they need most.
According to the Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the Red Cross, the Disaster Action Team responded to the scene shortly after the fire and opened a temporary evacuation center to assist those displaced. The organization reported that 38 people — including 28 adults and 10 children — have received aid so far.
The release listed specific needs, including:
- Girls shoes: sizes 10 and 8 toddler, 1–4 ½
- Girls clothes: sizes 4/5 through 10/12
- Boys clothes: sizes 7 and 10
- Women’s shoes: sizes 7 and 8 ½
- Women’s clothes: tops (small, medium, XL); bottoms (6, 8, 14, 16)
- Men’s shoes: sizes 9 and 10
- Men’s clothes: tops (small, medium, large); bottoms (34–36)
- Toys for children of all ages
The Fire Victim Support Drive will take place on Monday, September 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, 701 Penn Street. Donations can also be dropped off at the Mayor’s Office in City Hall or at any City of Reading fire station.
City officials encouraged residents to show generosity in supporting families during this difficult time, stressing that community contributions will play a vital role in recovery.
