The relief fund for Coatesville fire victims estbalished by Citadel Bank has swelled to $80,000, according to the county Department of Community Development. The fund was set up after shortly after the Fleetwood Street arson attack that destroyed 15 row homes.

To ensure the money is disbursed in the most effective and efficient way, an oversight group has been established with representatives from the United Way of Chester County, the City of Coatesville and the county Department of Community Development.

"One of the uses designated by the oversight group is for the purchase of beds, which were lost when families were displaced from their housing units. With the amount of clothes and furniture donations from the community, we are now looking at addressing gaps that the families now have," said Patrick Bokovitz, director of the Department of Community Affairs.

With clothing donations exceeding the required amount, organizers are asking the pubic to no longer supply new or gently used clothes. The public is also asked to refrain from furniture donations until more permanent warehousing or storage is arranged for all current donations.

The Community, Youth and Women's Alliance (CYWA) in Coatesville continues to serve as the main point of contact for all families who were victims of the fire, and permanent housing is still being sought for a number of families.  Landlords with properties to rent in the Coatesville, Thorndale, Downingtown and Valley Township areas are asked to contact Mimi Wealer at the CYWA, 610-384-9591.    

The public is also asked to encourage any families who have been displaced from their homes because of the fires, but have not yet contacted CYWA, to do so immediately.               

A reminder for the organizations that have been coordinating assistance for the fire victims are:  

CYWA -- Contacts Mimi Wealer and Karen Newman.  CYWA is the point of contact for all victims and also accepts monetary gift cards, to be issued for victims' use.  Tel:  610-384-9591   

Building Bridges -- Contact is Heather Smith, Supervisor.  Building Bridges is providing direct case management to families and is coordinating services with CYWA.  Tel: 610-429-3033  

Citadel Federal Credit Union -- Monetary donations should go to Citadel Federal Credit Union, 3030 Zinn Road, Thorndale, PA  19372.  An account has been established at Citadel and donors are asked to identify their donation for either the Victims of the Coatesville Fires, or the Reward Fund.  Tel:  610-380-6000  

Coatesville Food Cupboard -- Contact Doris or Elsie Spann. Food donations are still being accepted at 1001 E. Chestnut Street in Coatesville.  Tel: 610-383-6577  

The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County is assisting with counseling and workshops for adults and school-age children.  For more information on dates and times call the Crime Victims' Center at 610-692-7420.