help

Today's post is a serious one. We live in Coatesville, less than a mile from the city borderline. In our town, 30 fires have been set since December, 15 of those being set since the beginning of the year. Just this past Saturday night, 15 homes were destroyed by fire. Coatesville is in a state of emergency. Families have been not only displaced, but they have lost everything. Most homes have been destroyed beyond hope for restoring them. It is just a terrible thing to happen to anyone and being so close to this city that is completely gripped with terror, it hits close to home for us. These fears are forcing families to sleep in the same room and pack emergency kits. The families are being asked to keep trash inside overnight because the arsonists use people's own trash to start these fires. It is madness that these arsonists can do this to a city, to its people, to its children.

Chad volunteers at a community center in the heart of the city called The Bridge Academy Community Center. This community center, partnered with Camp at Old Mill, are personally planning on getting Walmart, Giant and other types of gift cards for those whose homes were taken. This is something that you can help with easily. If you want to give money, you can write a tax deductible check to CCGM (the ministry that is over Camp Old Mill, and partnered with the Bridge Academy and Community Center in Coatesville). Write 'Fire Release' in the memo. Every cent will go towards these families. It will mostly be buying gift cards, but will vary if their needs require something else. If you would rather just get a gift card and send it, you can do that as well. Anything will help!

County Corrections Gospel Mission
PO Box 1136
Coatesville, Pa 19320

Also, if you are local and have clothes you can donate to these families, the Coatesville Country Club is taking clothing donations until Saturday. Call 610-384-3200 for more information. The address is below.

143 Reservoir Road

Coatesville, PA 19320

Some of the children effected by this terrible phenomenon go to the the community center where Chad volunteers, so this hits close to home for both us in more ways than one. If you can help, please do.