Benefits to be held for Jersey City McGinley Square fire victims; at least 19 were left homeless

JERSEY CITY – On Saturday, March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m., Bergen Communities United will sponsor a benefit concert for residents displaced and impacted by the five-alarm fire that destroyed eight residences and five businesses at Monticello and Fairmont avenues on Feb. 19.
While no lives were lost in a blaze, at least 19 people were left homeless as a result of the fire and other lost clothing and other belongings in a Laundromat in the building.
Nine Jersey City firefighters were also injured.
The March 10 fundraiser will be held at New City Kids at 240 Fairmount Ave., a site adjacent to where the fire took place, and will include the participation of local performers and entertainers. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Light refreshments served.
The goal of the evening is to raise money for the fire victims to help offset their expenses and to help them replace items that were lost.
To purchase tickets, please contact Rosemary Nwabueze at rnwabueze@womenrising.org or call (201) 860-4031. Monetary donations or gift cards to grocery or clothing stores can also be donated at the event.
This fundraiser has been endorsed by Ward F City Councilwoman Michele Massey, At-large City Councilwoman Viola Richardson, Hudson County Freeholder and Jersey City resident Bill O’Dea, Women Rising, New City Kids, Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation, and the West Bergen Lincoln Park Neighborhood Coalition.
For more information on how to be a part of the fire assistance effort, call (201) 915-9896 or email info@newcitykids.com.
In addition to the March 10 Bergen Communities United benefit, a new community organization, Jersey City Homelessness Advocacy Group, is also working with New City Kids to collect items for the fire victims.
Jersey City Homelessness Advocacy Group is a newly-formed organization acting as an advocate for the homeless and needy of Jersey City, and is currently working to get the resources needed for the families and individuals affected by this tragedy. The organization is asking that essentials such as toiletries, clothing, and gift cards be donated to help those affected by the tragedy. Items may be dropped off at New City Kids (240 Fairmount Ave.), Tuesday through Friday from noon until 3 p.m. and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Please note that that the newly-formed Jersey City Homelessness Advocacy Group is not yet nonprofit organization. Thus, contributions made are not eligible for an IRS tax deduction at this time.

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