Following Friday's fire, Holts Summit community members and the American Red Cross provided assistance to residents from Evergreen Apartments.
The fire at the Evergreen Condos, located just off of Route AA in Holts Summit, was called in after 1 p.m., according to reports from Holts Summit Fire Protection District. Smoke and flames were seen for several miles due to strong winds.
The Red Cross gave residents blankets and provided meals to families Friday night. Katharine Mayne with the Red Cross said the organization also distributed debit cards to families Friday night. The debit cards were provided to give the apartment residents money for immediate needs. Mayne said Red Cross handed out about $8,000 in debit cards to those affected by the fire. The amount of money each family received varied depending on the number of family members.
Union Hill Baptist Church (UHBC) in Holts Summit collected donations of clothes and nonperishable food items. Volunteers helped sort through clothing dontaions. The church opened the doors of its clothes closet and food pantry for the families affected by the fire. UHBC had clothes and food items available for residents of the Evergreen Apartments from 2-4 p.m. Sunday in its gym.
There were no reported injuries from Friday's fire. Of the 29 units in the apartment building, 26 were occupied. Ronald Bealmear was one resident who lost almost all of his belongings. He was working at Doolittle Utility Trailer Manufacturing, next door to the apartments, when the fire occurred.
"I lost just about everything I own," Bealmear told the News Tribune last weekend. "I just got back on my feet and had a good job, and now this happens."
Mayne added that the Red Cross was still trying to get in touch with residents in four of the building's units. Residents affected by the fire who did not receive a debit card can contact Red Cross at (573) 635-1132.
The Red Cross followed up with the families again this weekend. Volunteers reminded families that the Red Cross can help them with their first month's rent at a new apartment. Mayne said they also reminded families that they are not alone.
"We're here. That's what we do," Mayne said.
SERVE is taking donations - such as clothing, pots and pans, etc. - for the families.