Community organizes donation drive to support residents displaced by Chesterfield apartment fire

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Chesterfield County community has rallied to support dozens of residents, nearly two weeks after a Chester apartment fire left 44 people without a home.

At the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, an arts and crafts building has been transformed into a temporary storehouse that continues to grow as community members drop off donations throughout the week.

Over the last few days, the Chesterfield County Fair Association has received a number of items, ranging from canned goods, to clothing, bedding and appliances.

The effort was organized by Lori Lythgoe, treasurer of the Chesterfield County Fair Association. Her son and his family were among those displaced by the fire at the Waterside at Iron Bridge Apartments on Jan. 8.

Lori Lythgoe and James Verlander accept donations from a community member. (Photo: 8News)

Lythgoe said she learned about the fire in the early morning hours when her son called her.

“He said, ‘Mom, look at the fire,’ and I said, ‘OK,’” Lythgoe said. “And he said, ‘Mom, that’s my apartment.’”

Lythgoe said she was instantly hit with a wave of emotions.

“Being a mom, I wanted to run over there and get with my son,” she said.

While all residents made it out safely, many have been faced with the difficult task of starting from scratch. Lythgoe said the support her family received inspired her to help others affected by the fire.

“I got to thinking that not everybody might have the support system that I had,” she said. “So we wanted to reach out and help the other residents get what they needed.”

As treasurer of the Chesterfield County Fair Association, Lythgoe thought the arts and crafts building on the fairgrounds could serve as a donation site. She brought the idea to James Verlander, president of the association’s board of directors.

“It dawned on me ... the arts and crafts building is empty -- 'Can we use it?'” she said. “He said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ So here we are.”

Donations stored inside arts and crafts building at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. (Photo: 8News)

James Verlander, a retired firefighter of 37 years, said he has seen firsthand the sudden devastation that fires can bring.

“I know the horrors that go along with it,” Verlander said. “So I was just my main concern was that everyone was okay and that the building could be rebuilt, but people can't be rebuilt.”

Both Verlander and Lythgoe said the outpouring of support highlights the strength of the community in the aftermath of tragedy.

“It’s great to see people’s heart,” Verlander said. “Everyone who has donated has just been extremely happy to help out, wondering if they could do more.”

Donations are being accepted from 6 to 8 p.m. through Friday. Lythgoe says they have a list of impacted residents who will be able to pick up the items they need on Saturday.

“We're going to pack it up in boxes, I'm going to put their names on it and we're going to store it for them until they get their new destination,” Lythgoe said.

Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help pack donations at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.