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Contact: Jessica M. Cohen
Tel: (908) 624-0880
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ELIZABETH FIRE VICTIMS RECEIVE SUPPORT TO GET BACK ON THEIR FEET

ELIZABETH – Senator Raymond Lesniak and Assemblymen Neil Cohen and Joseph Cryan presented $25,000 in funding, furniture and food to the families affected by the Spring, Cherry and Marshall Street fires. 

“Today we are here to let these families know that they are not alone and are part of a community that is coming together to help them get back on their feet,” said Lesniak. “We are pledging a minimum of $25,000 in funds, furniture and food to get that process started.”

Last week, 27 families lost their homes and possessions in 3 separate fires that took place in Elizabeth. These victims – more than half children ages 2 months to 14 years old – came away from the blaze with only the clothes on their backs.

“We couldn’t do this alone,” explained Cryan, “I am proud to stand here with our local business community who has partnered with us to help the families who have lost everything.”

Among the businesses who have pledged commitments already, Ray Salermo of Tri-State Home Furnishings and Appliances, Inc is donating $6,000 in furniture, the Greater Union County Association of Realtors/ Realtor Care Fund is contributing $1000 and the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors/Realtor Community Care Fund brought a check to the press conference for $2,000. IKEA, which employed some of those affected by the fire, will be donating furniture and home goods and Mary Kay has committed to sending baskets of toiletries and shower goods. In addition, Democrats for the Soul and the Cryan Association will be donating approximately $15,000 in funds to help families who lost their homes with security payments and first month’s rent on a new place to live.

“The outpouring of support has been phenomenal,” said Cohen, “But it is the unwavering strength of these families that serves as the greatest inspiration to us all.”