Gift cards sought to aid Royersford fire victims

ROYERSFORD — The best way to help those who were driven from their homes by the fire that destroyed six rowhomes on Second Street is to buy gift cards, according to Mayor Alex Metricarti.

“We’re so grateful that the six families affected by the fire have all been able to obtain temporary housing,” Metricarti wrote in response to a MediaNews Group query.

“The Royersford emergency management coordinator has been working with the Red Cross, Project Outreach, and local churches to determine how we can most effectively assist with the families’ other needs. At this point, the best way for the community to help is through gift cards,” Metricarti wrote.

“Giant, Wawa, Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, and generic Visa or Mastercard gift cards are especially appreciated,” Metricarti wrote. “Gift cards can be mailed or dropped off 24 hours a day in the secure vestibule mailbox at Royersford Borough Hall, 300 Main Street, Royersford, PA 19468. Many of the local Royersford churches are also collecting gift cards if that’s a more convenient way for people to donate.”

No one was injured but six row homes in the 200 block of Second Avenue were destroyed by a large fire the evening of March 20.

At least 10 fire companies were involved in fighting the three-alarm fire, which began on the east end of the row homes and was blown west, toward Washington Street, by very strong winds

The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.