EAST VILLAGE — At least 20 civilians were injured and two people are still missing after the East Village gas explosion Thursday afternoon.
If you're looking for ways to help victims, here's how:
► VOLUNTEER
LES Ready, a nonprofit based in the Lower East Side, is looking for volunteers to assist with longterm recover efforts for victims and their families, said Lilah Mejia, a coordinator with the group. Fill out a form at LES Ready's website or email lilah@goles.org
► DONATE
Church of the Nativity, 44 2nd Ave., will be collecting clothes and funds on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The donations will be given to the Red Cross, according to a parisioner.
They will also be accepting pillows and blankets for people who were displaced by the explosion and are currently staying in shelters.
The Middle Collegate Church, at 112 2nd Ave., will be accepting monetary donations at the church's 11:15 a.m. worship, senior minister Jacqui Lewis said.
The house of worship is currently acting as a base for the disaster's first responders. Next week, they expect to have more information on how locals can volunteer and donate to help the victims. For details, check its website in the coming days.
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up to help residents who lost their posessions in the fire. To help Nora and Matt Brooks, click here. For McKenzie, here.
The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City is accepting donations to assist those affected, here.
The Red Cross is also accepting financial donations through its website, here.
A reception center has been set up at Tompkins Square Library with the Office of Emergency Management, but they are not accepting donations. A previous location of the center at P.S. 63 is now closed.
LOCAL BUSINESSES LOOKING TO HELP VICTIMS
By Friday, a slew of local buisnesses looked to extend a helping hand to victims of the blast.
The Standard announced they would lodge anyone displaced by the fire for free.
Our hearts go out to those affected by the fire. If you live btwn 119-125 2nd Ave, swing by w/ proof of address & your 3 nt stay is on us.
— The Standard (@standardEV) March 26, 2015Furniture store AptDeco said they would donate furniture to one family who lost their home in the blast.
Real estate agent Miron Properties offered to find families apartments free of charge.
If you have been displaced by the East Village fire at 119-125 2nd Avenue, Miron Properties will help you find a new...
Posted by Miron Properties: New York City Real Estate on Friday, March 27, 2015
