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Friends of family who lost apartment in Maple Street fire set up donation drop off

By Howard B. Owens

Virginia Martinez and her four children lost nearly everything Friday in the apartment fire at 26 Maple St., Batavia.

Though fire crews were able to pull out just about all of their belongings from their first-floor apartment, clothing, household and other items were so heavily smoke and water damaged, they're not of much use.

"They need to start over," said Tammy Scheidweiler (on the outside right), so she's organized a donation collection with her husband John (left) in the parking lot of Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union this afternoon. 

Four bags of clothing have been dropped off. 

Virginia's four children are ages 7, 5, 3 and almost 2.

Tammy said she's known Virginia since she was just a baby, "and they're like family to me," explaining why she organized the donation effort.

The children also lost most of their toys.

jeff saquella

this is a great thing your doing tammy and john i wish i still had childrens clothes to donate but my kids are all grown....what else could the family use?

Apr 22, 2012, 1:04pm Permalink
jason lang

Will the family please call me 585-813-2386, I'm owner of local body art/ retail Store & would like to do a drive to raise money and other donations! You can also reach me at The Laughing Buddha located at 238 Ellicott st Batavia! Let me know like to get something going ASAP!! The Buddha loves to give back!!

Apr 23, 2012, 4:53am Permalink
Richard Clark

Will the family also call me at CPR? I would like to donate a Laptop to them. 585-344-7085.

Thanks I got the info. I will be meeting up with them later today.

Apr 23, 2012, 10:45am Permalink
Chris Charvella

Genders on the 2 and 3 year olds please. I have a ton of 3T clothes that my daughter just outgrew and some brand new shoes that ended up being too small. COntact me at ChrisCharvella [at] gmail [dot] com.

Apr 23, 2012, 10:56am Permalink

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