Neighbors help families who lost homes to fire

Vernon — Area residents are rallying around the five Vernon families who lost their homes in a fire at the Great Gorge condos on Jan. 11. So many people have donated clothing that the families don’t need any more. Two funds have been set up to receive cash donations. One is at Lakeland Bank on Route 515 in Vernon. The other is at Valley National Bank on Route 515 in Vernon. To help further, Donna Stoner, manager of the Dunkin Donuts on Route 94 and Church Street in Vernon, has set up a collection can and can field specific requests for items the families need. Members of the Vernon Township Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary are also helping the families. Heidi White can be reached at 764-2401 and Danielle Begg at 973-764-4046. Check the announcement board in front of the Vernon Firehouse for upcoming community events that will benefit these families.