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Friends — and Strangers — Rally to Support Inwood Fire Victims

By Carla Zanoni | December 14, 2010 3:30pm | Updated on December 14, 2010 3:46pm

By Carla Zanoni

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

INWOOD — The Inwood community is coming together to help the victims of a blaze last week that gutted two apartments, left dozens homeless and killed two family pets.

An online fundraising site was set up the day of the fire for victims Kristen and John Galvin, who lost their dog Murphy and their apartment at 510 W. 218th St. So far the website has raised more than $5,100 for the couple.

John Galvin, who lived in the six-story building his entire life, said he was amazed by the extent to which neighbors have rallied for his family.

"Especially at this time when no one really has the time or the money, this community of ours is making the time and finding the money," he wrote in an e-mail. "That, to us, is a REAL holiday miracle and should be honored as such."

Glavin's wife Kristen shared the sentiment.

"I am amazed at how many people have come out to support us," she said last week when she was released from the hospital after being treated for smoke inhalation. "I know we are going to be OK." 

A benefit to raise more money for the couple is planned for Friday, Dec. 17.

The Galvins said they plan to share some of proceeds of the event and donations with their upstairs neighbors, who also lost everything in their home, including their cat, Kelly.

The owner of Starlight Dry Cleaner on the ground floor said he's doing alright because repairs due to smoke and water damage will be covered by his insurance policy. He hopes to reopen within one week.

Residents on the east side of the building will not allowed to return to their homes until the landlord has completed a thorough clean up of debris and broken windows from the fire, according to a spokesman from City Councilman Robert Jackson's office.

FDNY said that the fire was probably caused by an electrical malfunction. A sophisticated marijuana lab was also discovered in the building during the rescue operations, according to 34th Precinct Capt. Jose Navarro.

By Tuesday morning, 66 friends and strangers had contributed money to the online fundraising site for the Galvins, writing messages of condolence and offering emotional support.

"I used to babysit for John back in the 70s and was very saddened to hear about this. Please tell him Eileen Magee sends her love," wrote an old friend on the site.

Donna Smiley, who lives in Washington Heights, said she didn't know the couple, "but we hope very much that their apartment is renovated soon and they'll be home again, although sadly, without their dog.

"We love our cat so much and cannot imagine how devastated they must feel."

The neighborhood benefit for the Galvins will be held on Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Liffy II Bar, 5009 Broadway, between W. 213th and 214th streets. $10 suggested donation at the door.