From guitars to clothing to cash, donations continue to pour in for Gabriel House fire victims totaling over $100,000

Donations continue to pour in across the city and beyond for those impacted in a recent fatal fire in Fall River.

According to the Firefighter Wives Association, 650+ people participated in the fundraiser at the St. John’s Athletic Club Friday night to benefit the displaced residents from last Sunday’s Gabriel House fire. They were able to raise $44,908. Many residents and businesses combined to make this happen.

A GoFundMe fundraiser that was created early last week has raised over $76,000 as of this writing.

Churches also took collections this weekend for the victims.

Despite the large amount of cash raised, not all of the donations have been monetary.

On Thursday, TJs Music in Fall River provided 2 guitars, free of charge, to fire victims Bob and Paul. The men not only lost their home in the Gabriel House fire but also their instruments. According to Michelle St. Martin-Mattos, TJs Music also supplied cases, picks and everything they needed to start playing again.

Catholic Charities of Fall River at 1600 Bay Street states that they have received more than 500 individual donations of clothing, medical equipment, toiletries, and food. Many local groups have also delivered items for distribution. Staff and volunteers continue to deliver personalized care packages to those affected, now placed in various temporary housing locations. These packages are thoughtfully tailored to meet each individual’s needs, offering both comfort and dignity during this difficult time. Those affected are currently requesting:
• Shaving Care Items
• Personal hygiene products
• Sweatpants, sweatshirts, and easy-wear garments
• Summer shorts for men and women (all sizes)
• Gift cards to help replace personal items

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community and abundance of items received, they are no longer in need of:
• Medical equipment (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, canes)
• General clothing (outside of the items listed above)
• Shoes

These are just the instances that we know of. I am sure there are many other folks donating or volunteering their time to help the cause.

Fall River is once again showing the area, if not the nation, that despite our rough-at-times personalities and not always having great financial means, when someone needs our help, residents are always there.