MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa.- Weeks after a devastating fire tore through the Oak Forest Apartments, dozens of families are dealing with hardship. Many lost not only their homes, but everything inside them.
“You can get so many clothing donations, but after a little bit, you’re just carrying around bags and looking for somewhere to go. So, we wanted to make sure that they could have this money and do what they needed to do with it beyond clothing and other donations,” said Giavana Dissinger, Resident Experience Director at Laurel Point Senior Living.
Now at Laurel Point Senior Living, compassion is turning into action.
“I grew up in Berks County. We’ve always had a strong community. I’ve lived in Leesport, Hamburg, Muhlenberg, and all the above. So, I knew that if I could get reach out to others, I knew that they would help,” Dissinger said.
That call for help became a benefit night, bringing neighbors together to help the victims continue the long road to recovery.
“We heard about the fire and then found out that one of our families was directly involved with it and impacted by it, so we decided to put together a little fundraiser,” said Laurel Point Senior Living Executive Director Kelly Frenk.
With raffles, food, and even an Elvis impersonator, every dollar raised carries the message: you’re not alone.
“We decided to do cash because just to give them a little bit extra help in whatever they need, just to get a new start and a fresh beginning,” Dissinger said.
And it’s more than a fundraiser. It’s a reminder that even after unimaginable loss, hope can still be found in the kindness of strangers.
“I think that everyone coming together in such a short amount of time, like you said, is really just showing how strong Berks County as a community is,” Frenk said.