Displaced Family 'Overwhelmed' by Support

Three days after he and his family of nine lost everything in an apartment fire, Chris Brennan told Patch that he and his wife are "so overwhelmed with support and donations that our heads are spinning."

"There are strangers that have already handed us money, dropped off clothes, and expressed their kindness," Brennan wrote in an e-mail to Patch. "Our phones have been ringing nonstop since that fateful day."

The fire, which broke out in the apartment under the Brennan family, displaced the couple, plus their seven children ages 8 months to 14. 

The family's insurance is covering hotel rooms for another two weeks, he said, until the Brennans can find a permanent home. 

The more immediate need, he said, is to find storage units to hold all of the "stuff" they've been receiving since the fire. 

"Clothes, furniture, gift cards, money and love from literally all over the world" has been trickling in, he said. "There is just stuff coming from everywhere."

Brennan did not share what other additional needs he and his family may have, but the community at large has already stepped up to lend a hand. 

Hallowell Elementary School, where some of the Brennan children attended, is leading a collection drive for clothing and monetary donations.

"Right now, we are mostly collecting money and gift cards so the family can purchase items they might need," Hallowell Principal Steve Glaize said.

Besides the collection drive at Hallowell, a friend of the Brennan family has set up a Facebook page to help with donations.

Here is a list of clothing sizes being sought for the family:

• Girl age 14 size 12
• Boy age 14 size 12/14
• Girl age 11 size 10
• Boy age 8 size 10
• Boy age 4 size 3T
• Boy age 3 size 3T
• Baby age 8 months size 6 months and up

How you can help
Clothing or monetary donations for the Brennan family can be dropped off at Hallowell Elementary School, 200 Maple Ave., in Horsham. For more information, call the school at 215-420-5900. Donations are also being coordinated through the Facebook page. Click here to stay up-to-date on the best ways to help.