Photo credit: Peter Matthews/Fort Worth Fire Department
United Way of Tarrant County, Fort Worth Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck and Near Southside Inc. have partnered to organize a relief fundraising drive and free service/discounted product database for the displaced residents of The Cooper apartment fire.
Donations can be made online at: bit.ly/CooperReliefFund
Our goal is to raise $100,000 by Wednesday, July 9, for these residents.
All funds raised will go directly to The Cooper residents as cash/gift cards to be handed out at the United Way of Tarrant County Fort Worth office on July 16.
To receive the cash/gift cards, residents are asked to add their name to a list maintained by Near Southside Inc. using this form: forms.gle/EmtYiQTxbw6puwkU6.
We will use the names on this list to verify residency with the apartment management.
Individuals, organizations and businesses that want to share free services or discounted products can submit their offers at bit.ly/CooperServicesDonation.
Residents will be given access to this database to browse the offers and contact the businesses directly to claim the service being offered.
In crises, fire victims may have limited storage and very specific needs. Clothing items and household goods can be incredibly difficult to match to the specific need or size of a fire victim, and often donated items that were not needed are underutilized or discarded. The Red Cross North Texas Region has been coordinating an effort to distribute essential supplies to fire victims, so we are deferring to their expertise.
“In moments like these, we’re reminded of the strength and compassion that exists within our community,” said Kris Canfield, Chief Development Officer of United Way of Tarrant County. “When families are displaced and lives are upended, our role is clear—we come together, we step up, and we respond. Supporting our neighbors affected by The Cooper fire reflects the very heart of our mission. This is what United Way is all about: uniting people and resources to ensure no one faces hardship alone.”