CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. (June 18, 2014)– Thousands of items were donated to senior citizens who were displaced after a fire at Lakeview Meadows.
The items came pouring into the Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek on Tuesday. Within 24 hours, the church was almost filled to capacity.
Audrey Wolfersberger, 83, expressed overwhelming feelings of joy as she set her eyes on all the merchandise that she could take her pick from.
“I figure there was just somebody bringing a little, few things and it’d be gone by the time we got here,” Wolfersberger said. “I come in here, there’s just everything, brand new things…just wonderful.”
Wolfersberger said she lost everything she owned in the fire with the exception of the clothes on her back. Among the items she lost some are irreplaceable, like gifts from her children.
Ted Hearings, a member of Lakeview Baptist Church, said he helped pull people to safety after Lakeview Meadows became engulfed in flames Monday night.
“These people are coming out with no socks, no shoes, just tops and bottoms and pajamas…they had nothing on and they didn’t have enough time to go back in,” Hearings said.
The church opened its doors to the nearly 50 people who were forced out of their homes. By the following morning Hearings said he knew more needed to be done. They began spreading the word that they would be accepting donations. It’s a cause that proves the community in Calhoun County does what it can to help their neighbors.
“It amazed me…I’ve not expected this,” Hearings said. “I’m overwhelmed at the stuff that came.”
Audrey could be seen picking out sweaters, pillows and sitting in her new rocking chair.
“I’m getting everything,” Wolfersberger said. “I got a rocking chair and I just got Tupperware and blankets and sheets…I just got everything. It’s just so nice. Everybody’s been so nice. I just want to thank everybody.”
The church, located at 7 20th Street in Battle Creek, will be accepting donations Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 9 p.m. until 6 p.m.
