Donations Pour In to Help Easter Fire Victims

Community Efforts to Help Those Who Lost Everything

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Nearly 50 people were left in shock as they watched their homes burn to the ground Sunday evening.

“If someone asks you on the day of how you’re doing, you’re literally stuttering,” said Justice Niemi, a victim of the Easter Sunday fire at the Applewood Knoll Apartments.

Three days later, the reality of what they’ve lost has begun to sink in.

“It’s like you’re going through a museum in your mind, you’re like ‘Oh my gosh, I forgot I had that,’ or like things of my grandma’s I don’t have anymore,” Niemi explained.

Now, the immediate concerns of food, shelter, and water, have been redirected to figuring out the more long-term plans.

“We are looking into getting a place, it’s just the fact of where’s open,” admitted Niemi.

Amanda Zomerfelt lived in the Applewood Knoll Apartments for three years.

“And I just thought, as I watched the fire go through my daughter’s old bedroom, all of my daughter’s stuff would have been gone. 

As “what ifs,” and “what could have been’s” consumed her, Amanda knew it was her position to alleviate whatever stress she could.

“I just thought to myself, ‘That could have been me 2 months ago,’” Zomerfelt explained. “Just to give them a base, a start so they don’t have to worry about going out and buying these things.”

Donations have poured in from the community.

“I mean it’s overwhelming, my phone has been going crazy for the last 2.5 days,” Zomerfelt laughed.

Her basement is piled high with clothing, towels, toiletries, and toys that she has bagged up for each victim.

“I’m getting this, I’m sorting it, you’re going to get stuff specific to your needs brought to you,” Zomerfelt said.

And while the future is still up in the air for many, one thing’s for sure.

“It’s good to live in a community where people do care,” Niemi said.

Things that are still needed are larger sizes of men’s and women’s clothing, and school supplies for the children. Click here to access the donations Facebook page, to coordinate dropping off items.

There are two benefits for the victims taking place this weekend, Saturday at Strikers in Superior, and Sunday at the Red Herring Lounge in Duluth. The events are open to anyone, and proceeds from a silent auction will go to the fire victims.