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MILLCREEK — After being displaced by a fire Thursday that affected two buildings and 24 units of the Monaco Apartments, Mike Kirkland said he was grateful he and his mother were safe and already in a new unit in the complex.
"We're recovering today. We got some help from the Red Cross and other people," Kirkland said, sitting on the steps of the apartment unit Friday morning. "We appreciate what everyone has done for us."
The whereabouts of his pets, Gizmo and Brutus, was unknown, he said.
"The most hurtful part was my cats," Kirkland said.
A neighbor, Sandra Shaw, said she had stopped by Kirkland's apartment to check on them, bring them a few household items and the $5 bill she had in her pocket.
"I don't have very much, but I'm willing to do anything I can for them," Shaw said. "If I was in that situation, I'd hope someone would help me."
The neighborhood, nonprofit organizations, faith groups and local government have reached out in various ways since the fire broke out Thursday afternoon at the complex, 4125 S. 465 East.
An emergency shelter was established at a nearby The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building.
The Utah region of the American Red Cross also established a shelter at the Millcreek Community Center.
Employees with the Salt Lake County recreation and senior programs were on hand until midnight, but no one sought shelter there, said Bev Uipi, senior center manager.
"We just look at it as we're a community. So why not?" she said.
Ben Horsley of the Granite School District said some of the affected residents were students at James E. Moss Elementary School.
The nonprofit, privately funded Granite Education Foundation, was reaching out to affected families to offer its assistance for household items and other donations.
Brent Severe, the foundation's CEO and executive director, said contributions from community members to assist families affected by the fire are welcome.
Contributions to the foundation can be earmarked for their assistance, Severe said in an email. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations can be made online at granitekids.org or by calling 385-646-GIVE (4483).
Donations of new clothing, backpacks and school supplies are needed. Gift cards that enable families to shop for items at a later time would be helpful too, he said.
"We are happy to accept the generosity of others in support of this cause," Severe said.
Rich Woodruff, a Red Cross spokesman, said the Monaco Apartment fire was the largest the agency has responded to statewide this year. Assistance was offered to about 25 people, which included helping to arrange accommodations and providing food, clothing, medication and other needs.
Donations to the Red Cross can be made at redcross.org, or checks can be dropped off at its office during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or mailed to 555 E. 300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102.
"We do honor donor intent and can allocate those funds to our Home Fire Campaign that funds assistance in these matters," Woodruff said.
