“Everett has always been a community where if there is a need, people step up,” said Carolyn Lightburn, director of human services in Everett. “People have been calling. They have been bringing in food, clothing and offering apartments.”
Even with all the donations, the temporary shelter is still in need of food, clothesand money. A fund has been set up at Eagle Bank in Everett and the Red Cross has a hotline.
The terrifying tanker truck explosion this morning sent many residents, including senior citizens, into the freezing night with just their pajamas and slippers.
“I heard about the fire and went through my closet and grabbed what I didn’t need,” said Jason Clark, 22, who dropped off a bag of clothesthis morning.
Karl Green, 32, of Everett, who was burnt out of his home in 2005, volunteered to translate for Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking evacuees.
“I do it for the love of the people,” he said. “I sympathize with what people are going through.”
Marc Orlandella, who owns 365 Fitness and Vic’s Mobil gas station, donated sodas and water and gas and is allowing evacuees to use showers at the health club.
“It’s just horrible. I wanted to help,” he said. “A lot of these people are my customers.”
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, who stopped by the temporary shelter this morning, called the outpouring of support heartening.
“It’s tremendous and it speaks to the spirit that exists in the Commonwealth,” he said.
Some of those who donated items this morning include: Veridon of North America of Wakefield, which offered their employees as volunteers; New England Organic, which brought in free grapefruit, oranges, bananas and grapes; Cambridge Health Alliance sent medical help; Cataldo Ambulance workers retrieved prescriptions from a senior citizen building; and Whidden Hospital in Everett donated a truck load of blankets and supplies.
