Funds sought for fire victims

Orion and Osco-Andover firefighters, as well as Orion Ambulance Service personnel, were on the scene of a fire in an apartment over Sarge’s Tavern on Wednesday morning, June 3, as the Orion Gazette staff members were laying out pages.

American Red Cross officials immediately announced plans to assist a family of four affected by the fire in the 300 block of 10th Avenue.

The first priority is to ensure the fire victimes’ emergency needs are met, according to the Henry County Service Center of the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities Area.

Basic human needs such as a place to stay, food to eat, necessary medications or health items, and clothes to wear are provided first, Red Cross officials said.

Mental health counselors from the Red Cross are also available to assist the fire victims and their families.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the voluntary donations from the public.

To help victims of this fire and other local disasters, area residents may make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Henry County Service Center by calling (309) 853-4123 or mailing a check to P.O. Box 189, Kewanee, IL 61443.