How to help those affected by the gas explosions, fires in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover
Here are some of the charities and organizations assisting those impacted by Thursday's tragedy.
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A series of gas explosions and fires in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover on Thursday left one teenager dead, at least 10 injured, and caused fires in at least 39 homes.
As of Friday morning, all of the fires had been put out, and a small number of residents were cleared to return to their homes. But many other residents still were unable to make their ways back to their homes, and Columbia Gas said it expected an “extended restoration effort” Friday morning, a message echoed by public officials.
Here is a running list of organizations that are helping those affected by the explosions, and how you can contribute. Know of any additional ways to help? Email [email protected].
The American Red Cross
The Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross tweeted Thursday night, “Many homes have been destroyed and people are under an evacuation notice; this could turn into a long-term response. We have workers and supplies on site now, but will need more as we go.”
To donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit https://redcross.org/donate. To volunteer, visit https://redcross.org/volunteer.
Many homes have been destroyed and people are under an evacuation notice; this could turn into a long-term response. We have workers and supplies on site now, but will need more as we go. The best way you can help is by donating: 1-800-RED-CROSS or https://t.co/HJjXGwUi80 (2/2) pic.twitter.com/jAEqQQGBta
— RedCrossMA (@RedCrossMA) September 14, 2018
American Latino Committee
This organization said in a series of Facebook posts that it was collecting clothes, shoes, water, food, and hygiene supplies at its Lawrence and Lynn headquarters, and delivering supplies to Merrimack Valley shelters Friday morning. For more information, visit the organization’s Facebook page or call 781-632-1270.
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLatinoCommittee/posts/2212470685744037
Bread and Roses — Lawrence
Several organizations based in the Merrimack Valley were affected by the explosions as well, many left without gas or power and forced to evacuate. Bread and Roses — Lawrence, a soup kitchen based in the city, wrote on Facebook that it was without gas and power, but was “doing what we can to facilitate whatever is needed in our community.” You can donate to Bread and Roses at breadandroseslawrence.org/donate.html.
City of Lawrence
The City of Lawrence tweeted Friday morning that the staging area for donated food and volunteers is at the Lawrence Senior Center at 155 Haverhill St.
The staging area for donations of food and volunteers is at the @col1853 Senior Center 155 Haverhill Street. Enter #Lawrence through the north side of the city. All streets on the south side of the city are closed for through traffic pic.twitter.com/udwtk04Nou
— Lawrence, MA. (@COL1853) September 14, 2018
Desperately needed items: hand sanitizers, alcohol pads, socks, underwear for kids and adults, blankets, toiletries, feminine products, toilet paper, towels! #MVGasFire. Deliver to senior center 155 Haverhill St #Lawrence
— Lawrence, MA. (@COL1853) September 14, 2018
Debbie’s Treasure Chest
Essex County Community Fund
The ECCF tweeted that it had set up a Lawrence Emergency Fund for those affected by the explosions and fires. Donate at eccf.org/lawrenceemergencyfund or call 978-777-8876.
@BostonGlobe People can help those affected by the devastating gas fires and explosions in #Lawrence, #Andover and #NorthAndover by donating to the Lawrence Emergency Fund. https://t.co/xK7Em7olEg
— EssexCountyCommFndn (@ECCFGives) September 14, 2018
The Greg Hill Foundation
WAAF radio host Greg Hill announced Thursday night that he would be holding an on-air fundraiser through his nonprofit, the Greg Hill Foundation, for those impacted by Thursday’s incident. The foundation was established in 2010 to respond to immediate needs of assistance for Massachusetts and New Hampshire families. You can donate at thegreghillfoundation.org/.
On Friday. September 14th we will be holding an on air fundraiser on the Hill-Man Morning Show for the families affected by the gas leaks and explosions on September 13th in the Lawrence area. We will be matching all donations up to $5,000. @GregHillWAAF https://t.co/d9cbXBptQb pic.twitter.com/rgA6cgoUil
— Greg Hill Foundation (@GHillFoundation) September 13, 2018
Lazarus House
Lazarus House, a Lawrence nonprofit that provides food, clothing, and shelter to those affected by poverty, is offering accommodations for those displaced by the explosions. Donate at lazarushouse.org/donate/.
MSPCA
The MSPCA adoption center at Nevins Farm opened its doors for any animals displaced in the aftermath of Thursday’s fires and explosions. You can donate at mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center/.
Nevins Farm animals & staff are safe following the Merrimack Valley explosions. Our doors will be open for affected animals. Please call us at 978-687-7453 x6101 or come to our adoption center. Animals with injuries should go directly to Angell @ 350 S Huntington in JP.
— MSPCA at Nevins Farm (@nevinsfarm) September 13, 2018
Salvation Army
Violence in Boston
Violence in Boston, a nonprofit dedicated to improving life in impoverished neighborhoods and reducing the prevalence of violence in those communities, will hold a 24-hour donation drive for those impacted either by the Merrimack Valley explosions or Hurricane Florence. They’ll be accepting a number of non-perishable food items and supplies at Franklin Park, across from the zoo entrance, starting at 1 p.m. For more information, check the organization’s Facebook event.
