In response to the fire that started two days before Thanksgiving at 3210 Hull Ave. in Norwood, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who represents the neighborhood, is hosting a clothing drive for the families.

The drive will be held at the Community Board 7 Office at 229A E. 204th St. Displaced families are in need of men, women, and children’s clothing and shoes, or gift cards. The collection of clothing and other personal items for the families will be held at least until the end of the week.

The four-alarm fire happened on Nov. 20 around 2:15pm. Helicopters and 200 firefighters responded and quickly arrived to the scene. The families from 3210 Hull Ave. and the two buildings on either side stood in disbelief as the firefighters fought to save their homes. Smoke could be spotted all the way from Reservoir Oval East, and Hull Ave, was shut down to assist combating the fire. Crews battled the fire from Hull Avenue and the adjacent street, Perry Ave., but this could not stop the roof of the home collapsing on itself. Three people, including two firefighters, were injured.

Thirty-five people were displaced from three homes as a result of the disaster, including a naturalized family whose passports were swallowed by the flames.

“They told me the items they lost, and how they hope the [American] Red Cross could help them. And already some were asking for my assistance in reapplying to get their passports done again…because everything had been burned,” Fernandez told the Norwood News in a telephone interview. 

Fernandez was at a community dinner around the corner from the incident. When she heard of the fire, Fernandez went to check on the families and invited them to stay warm inside Lexa Bar on East 204th Street.

“It was helpful the event was happening,” she said. “They could sit inside and get a free meal.” 

Fernandez mentioned that she, and the afflicted families, were grateful that neighbors were sticking together through thick and thin by contributing to the drive.

“They’re just happy that the community has stepped up to help them at this time,” she said.

Editor’s Note: Additional reporting by David Cruz. Community Board 7 is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.