Benefit to Assist the Victims of the Salem Common Apartment Fire

Two weeks ago there was a horrific fire in a large apartment complex on the opposite side of the Common from the Hawthorne Hotel.  Many of the victims had no insurance, and some were low-income families, that now need some assistance. 

Here is one way you can help while learning more about the history of the Washington Square/Salem Common area, by attending a talk by Jim McAllister, who is immensely entertaining:

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The Salem Common Neighborhood Association and Derby Square Tours are presenting a lecture by Jim McAllister at 11:30 am on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at the Salem Knights of Columbus 94 Washington Square to benefit victims of the March 18 fire at 98 Washington Square.

Jim’s talk, “An Uncommon Common” will highlight historical events and persons from the Washington Square area.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 11:15 am

If you cannot attend this event, but want to make a contribution, you can use the following list of resources:

There are several ways to make donations to help the victim’s of the recent fire at 98 Washington Square East:

http://www.salemartsassociation.org/
A Salem Fire Victims’ Account has been established and anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can contact North Shore Community Action Programs at (978) 531-0767 or mail a check made out to “Salem Fire Victims’ Fund, care of NSCAP” to 98 Main Street, Peabody, MA 01960.

Gift cards that can be used to purchase household items, medications and food are also needed. Catholic Charities will be collecting and distributing gift cards. To make a donation, please drop them off at the Salem office – 280 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970 – or call (978) 740-6923.

Pamplemousse (185 Essex Street, (978) 745-2900) and Bewitched in Salem (180 Essex Street, (978) 744-9904) will collect donations of small household items.

For questions or additional information about making a donation, please contact Meghann Ackermann, Director of Constituent Services in Mayor Kimberley Driscoll’s Office, at (978) 745-9595 ext. 5601 or mackerman@salem.com.

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Juli