Mary Helen Darah

Sylvania area partners are working together to assist residents of the Hunt Club Apartments, located at 5600 W. Alexis Rd., who were affected by a July 15 fire. Over 60 apartments were involved and 48 were destroyed.

Karen S. Smith of neighborhood bridges Sylvania met with SAFS Executive Director Dottie Segur to discuss the victims needs along with the benefits and efficiency of care that could be provided if local organizations worked together. Smith then organized a meeting of interested parties who met at SAFS on July 20 to collaborate ideas and resources.

Representatives from the American Red Cross, neighborhood bridges Sylvania, the Rotary Club of Sylvania, Five Lakes Church, Olivet Lutheran Church, Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, Jewish Senior, Family and Social Services of Greater Toledo, RFS Behavioral Health, Sylvania Schools and Sylvania Area Family Services formulated an action plan.

Members of the groups have collected donations including clothing, gift cards and monetary donations. They also reached out to their core of volunteers to help distribute items collected for the residents.

“SAFS appreciates the opportunity to be part of such an amazing group of businesses and organizations that have collaborated to assist the victims. Our combined efforts, as one united group working together, effectively is serving those in need,” Segur pointed out. “We are thankful to have assisted with the relief efforts,” she added.

“I felt it was important to meet with those interested in helping so we could assist those in need in an organized, effective way,” noted Smith. To make a monetary donation for the families, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.