FD, community seeking donations for firefighter who lost home

The Johnston Fire Department is continuing to seek donations for a firefighter and his family who lost their Glocester home in a fire last week.

Local 1950 President Keith Calci told the Sun Rise Tuesday afternoon that the department has received a significant amount of clothing and amenities. Donations can still be made to the Johnston Firefighter Charitable Fund and dropped off at the Johnston Fire Department at 1520 Atwood Ave. Calci referred to the firefighter who lost his home as Adam, and any checks donated should be payable to the JFCF in his name.

A GoFundMe page has been organized as well, and the online campaign had raised $25,720 – far more than its $10,000 goal – as of Tuesday afternoon. The page has been shared more than 2,000 times on Facebook and drawn comments of support from members of the community.

An update shared five days ago by Jo-Ann Fontaine said that, while the initial goal was hit, “this family needs to start over from scratch and needs absolutely everything.” Donations can also be made at High Steppin’ Dance Academy, located at 1465 Atwood Ave.

Those looking to contribute to the GoFundMe can visit gofundme.com/avcgwr-tragic-house-fire-lost-everything.

Local 1950 posted on its Facebook page March 21 that any cash or check donations are “encouraged and will go directly to helping [the firefighter and his] family rebuild their lives.” Gift cards from locations such as Target, Walgreens or Stop & Shop are also encouraged.

The union’s two Facebook posts have received nearly 750 total shares and scores of comments offering donations of everything from bed frames to coffee tables. Some commenters also suggested organizing fundraisers to help.