For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 23, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*MEDIA ADVISORY* City of Methuen to Discuss Relief Efforts from Ashton Place Fire

More than Two Dozen Displaced and Several Children Left without Christmas Presents

METHUEN — The City of Methuen is uniting to aid at least 25 of its residents whose homes were destroyed on Thursday when a massive 3-alarm fire gutted a 24-unit apartment building.

The fire displaced more than two dozen people and families, including at least five children who have neither a home, nor clothes, nor Christmas presents this holiday weekend. Officials are still trying to contaact residents of eight of the apartments, and more families and children may be added to the list.

Officials will brief the media at 2 p.m. today to discuss unified relief efforts and to ask the public for assistance in donating clothes, food and toys.

WHEN:

TODAY, Friday, Dec. 23, 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Methuen Fire Department, 24 Lowell St.

MEDIA STAGING/PARKING: Parking lot on Osgood St. across from the Fire Department

WHO:

• Methuen Mayor Steve Zanni
• Methuen Fire Chief Tim Sheehy
• Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon
• The American Red Cross

WHAT:

While monetary donations will be graciously accepted, officials are seeking clothes, food, and toys for boys and girls ages 4-14 and clothes, blankets, and food for the parents/adults who were displaced.

ALL DONATIONS will be accepted at the Methuen Fire Department by Methuen Firefighters or by the Red Cross. NO OTHER AGENCY is tasked with these duties, AND NO NEW ORGANIZATION has been created. While there is nothing to suggest any fraudulent activity occurring, tragedies like this have historically given rise to unscrupulous organizations and individuals seeking to profit from the trauma of innocent people.

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