HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – After a fire at the Integra Vista Apartments in Hixson displaced residents, Berean Baptist Church stepped in to collect donations for those impacted.
The church began gathering supplies shortly after the fire, collecting items including clothing, toiletries, food, pet supplies, toys, bedding and gift cards.
Pastor Tim Brown said the response from the community was overwhelming, with people donating a variety of items to help residents.
“From towels and bedding, lots of clothes, lots and lots of clothes and shoes, kids’ toys, kids’ clothes, food, pet items so it’s just been everything you can think of. It’s been awesome to see the variety of things and how people are thoughtful. People are giving gift cards. We have one church, Pleasant Grove Baptist.”
Brown said he also heard directly from residents who came through the church for supplies.
“Yes, we’ve had about 50 or so come through here. Some have texted some contacted-on Facebook and yeah, you have a range some are all of them are humbled and are so thankful and grateful and just overwhelmed some have cried when they’ve seen all of the supplies here, but yeah, I’ve seen some despair which is natural and then just some that are very hopeful. They’re like hey we’re gonna get through this.”
Brown said the donations helped residents with a variety of needs, including one family preparing for a new baby.
“For instance, there’s one family that is expecting a baby. They have a four-year-old son and so it’s making a real difference as we’re able to get them the baby items they need for their new baby coming. Others have just lost everything they don’t have renters’ insurance, so getting just the basic needs pantry items to see them shopping for that.”
On Friday, volunteers packed up the remaining donations and delivered them to the apartment complex.
Extra items were also taken to American Thrift, McKamey, Adult & Teen Challenge and Union Gospel Mission.
The church thanked everyone who donated supplies, gift cards, food, time and prayers throughout the donation effort.
