Roosevelt school community seeking donations for family displaced by fire
A Roosevelt home was heavily damaged by fire Wednesday evening. Credit: Lou MinutoliNDOK
Roosevelt school officials are asking community members to help a family of nine whose home was badly damaged in an accidental blaze Wednesday.
Three adults and six children, four of whom attend Roosevelt schools, have been unable to return to their Grant Street home since the fire broke out Wednesday evening, Roosevelt school and fire officials said. Hempstead Town officials said the local building department has deemed the house unfit for residence due to extensive damage inside.
Clyde Braswell, principal of Washington Rose Elementary School, told Newsday he spoke to the children’s mother, who he said was soldiering on amid the difficulty.
“I spoke to mom yesterday and expressed our concerns and our willingness to support them,” Braswell said in an interview Friday. “I could tell that it’s a tough go right now but she’s managing and she said she’s holding on as best as she could."
Four of the children attend the district’s elementary and middle schools and the mother is an alumnus from the district, Braswell said.
“They’re a nice family. The students are very productive here in school and participate in schoolwide programming. …The staff is really concerned,” he said.
James Hickman, Nassau County assistant chief fire marshal, said in an email the fire was accidental and there was “an apparent electrical issue in the ceiling of the first floor.” The fire took 40 minutes to get under control with a workforce of about 60 firefighters, Newsday previously reported. At the scene EMTs treated a resident for smoke inhalation, and a firefighter for a hand injury.
The school district has stepped up its efforts to assist the family, and is asking for new or gently-used clothing.
“During moments like these, our one-square-mile community demonstrates its greatest strength — our compassion for one another,” Superintendent Shawn K. Wightman said in a letter to families.
“Many residents have already reached out asking how they can help. Currently, the family is in need of NEW or gently used clothing for the children as they begin to rebuild their lives. To preserve the family’s privacy during this difficult time, the district will coordinate all donations on their behalf,” he continued.
The American Red Cross is assisting the family as well.
The clothing needed is as follows:
- Girls' sizes 8-9, 10-11 and 14-16; shoe sizes 1–2 and 5–5.5
- Boys' sizes 3T–4T, 6-7 and 8-9; shoe sizes 3, 9 (toddler) and 11–12
Donations may be delivered to:
Washington Rose Elementary School
2 Rose Ave., Roosevelt 11575
Anyone wishing to help can also reach out to the school at 516-345-7600.
Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.
