Bridgeport Rescue Mission Aids Fire Victims, Needy With Clothing Giveaway

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The Bridgeport Rescue Mission handed out clothing and coats to men, women and children Thursday afternoon at the Rescue Mission's Fanny Crosby Home.

Men look through donated clothing at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission on Thursday.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Four men hold up coats and clothing items they received at the mission.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Men wait in line to get coats and clothing at the Rescue Mission.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A man brings in donated clothes to be distributed.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Rescue Mission volunteers make sure the distribution goes smoothly.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

01/08/2016 5:00 a.m.

The giveaway targeted the area's needy, with a special emphasis on victims of a fire on New Year's Eve in Bridgeport that left more than 100 people homeless. Many of the fire victims fled with only the clothes on their back — and most were in pajamas when the early morning fire hit.

"What's particularly important right now, is there are additional people in the community who are in need," Donna Romano, Events Manager at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, told the Daily Voice. "In addition to those who are struggling to put food on the table, and to have clothing for their family, this distribution is open to those victims of the recent Charles Street fire.

"It had a significant impact on the area," Romano added. "There were 100 families displaced, and many were families who were already struggling."

Romano said the community response has been great.

"From a donation standpoint, the response has been overwhelming. ... I think it really does fill a significant need."

Click here to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.