Hinton community comes together to help fire victims - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Hinton community comes together to help fire victims

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By Kelsey Borza, Reporter - email

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HINTON -

There are more than 30 people who are now homeless from the fires.

People are coming together to show their support for the victims as they try to piece their lives back together.
The mayor of Hinton said as of today every single victim does have shelter either with a family member or in a hotel.
But starting Thursday some major efforts will be taking place in town for them.
Ten apartments and one house full of memories and belongings now nothing more than a pile of ash.
But for the victims of these massive fires, now it's time to think about starting over from scratch.
Luckily, they won't have to do it alone.
Earl Dodd with Loaves and Fishes thrift store in Hinton said, "All the victims can come in and pick out clothing that we have on the shelves we have more downstairs we can take their sizes and see what we can come up with."
Loaves and Fishes along with many other organizations in town are teaming up to provide clothing, food and shelter to the families.
Starting Thursday, families will be meeting with local agencies to get help finding new housing in the area and make sure everyone has somewhere to call home.
And later on down the road when the fire victims are placed in new homes, Loaves and Fishes will be helping out with things like household items to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Just down the street at the senior center, fire victims are invited to stop by for hot meals. And Loaves and Fishes is also using their food pantry to make sure they are well fed this week.
Dodd said the store has been around to help the community for about 30 years, but never a disaster of this magnitude.
He said, "Before, it was like a family got burnt out a single family, somebody's down on their luck, they're always managed to come to loaves and fishes and receive some type of help."
Area banks are also collecting monetary donations if you're interested in helping the victims.
Also Thursday at 10 a.m. Loaves and Fishes will be open just for victims to come and shop around for what they need.
And there will be hand outs in the wellness center on the corner of Temple and 3rd Avenue for the next few days from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
At the Summers County CERT office, fire victims can stop by at 11 a.m. Thursday to fill out applications for housing and other needs.