Among the fire’s victims was the non-profit “Communities in Schools of Auburn.”
The group collects donated supplies and gives them to at-risk kids to keep them in school. In a city with a nearly 26 percent drop out rate, that often means giving the basics.
“I’ve had students come to me that their toes are literally poking out of their shoes,” said Arlene Pierini. “I go out to the storage unit and I pull a pair of shoes.”
Some 900 pairs of those shoes and supplies were stored in that Auburn storage unit. Now, they’re gone.
“It’s a complete and total loss,” Pierini said.
A fire, later ruled arson, devastated the facility and the donations last week.
The loss set the group back more than $17,000. That’s a lot for an organization on a $250,000 annual budget. Pierini says the community has stepped up with donations but they’re still behind. Now they’re hoping the generosity will continue.
“When your organization is the recipient, it’s still an amazing feeling,” Pierini said.
Police haven’t made any arrests related to the arson. Meanwhile, Pierini says that community members have donated more than $4,000 to replace what was lost. If you’d like to help out, you can donate through our Problem Solvers website.
NW Fire Blog 