GREENFIELD — Days after an early morning fire at 140 Meridian St. took the lives of four people, including a 5-year-old boy, the community has come together to support family members left behind.
Three generations died in the fire that officials say broke out around 5:15 a.m. Sept. 25. The victims were Brian Tower, 48; Florenda Tower, 49; her son, Raymond Wood, 28; and his son, William Paul Clark, 5.
Jennifer Mieth, spokeswoman for the state Department of Fire Services, last week said an investigation is ongoing, with results available as soon as this week. She said investigators believe the fire was accidental and do not suspect any foul play.
Friends of the victims set up a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/2r3r6vk9) for young William’s mother, Jamie Clark. Since then, more than 150 people have raised $6,950 in donations toward a $10,000 goal. Donors to the page include friends, loved ones, parents of children who were William’s classmates, and local businesses, such as PV Squared Solar on Wells Street, which gave $1,000.
Comments posted on the page by donors express heartbreak, condolences and sadness.
A vigil to honor and remember the victims has been organized by Lindsay Hamel, a friend of the family, for Oct. 15, starting at 5 p.m. on the Greenfield Town Common.
Elsewhere, local radio personality and mobile disc jockey Bobby Campbell, known as “Bobby C,” has put together a raffle to raise money for the family. He said the fundraiser will continue through Oct. 24, when prize winners will be drawn.
The raffle has a goal of $10,000.
So far, Campbell said more than 20 prizes have been contributed to the cause by various local businesses. An “ultimate date” grand prize consists of $50 to the Whately Inn, in addition to gift cards to Greenfield Garden Cinemas, Floral Affairs, and Ryan and Casey Liquors.
Campbell said it’s difficult to see such a tragedy hit the region’s small community, and intends to raise “as much support as we can get to help this family, who lost four loved ones, including a little boy who didn’t have a chance at life.”
Raffle tickets to benefit the family are being distributed via more than 50 people, and can be purchased at many local businesses including Shelburne Falls Optician on Bridge Street, in Greenfield, at Moldavite Dreams, Ryan and Casey Liquors and Harpers Package Store.
“If anyone is willing to help, they can give me a call” at 413-834-4222, Campbell said.
After all the donations have been collected and counted, Campbell said he plans to have a large check made and officially presented to the family.