Around 6:15 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, March 12, a massive fire broke out in Yonkers in the apartment building located at 15 Parkview Ave. the six-story building was evacuated and more than 100 firefighters battled the blaze for over 10 hours before it was finally extinguished. Although no residents were hurt, about a dozen firefighters were sent to the hospital and around 150 people have been displaced. One local business is making sure they’re all cared for by their community.
Jennifer and Alex Lampert of neighboring Bronxville’s Ladle of Love had already closed shop for the day at 8 p.m. At 11 p.m. they reopened and began running soup and food down the street to the first responders and evacuated residents. They stayed open until four in the morning. The next morning they brought meals to all of the families taking shelter at Roosevelt High School, and have pledged to continue feeding them as long as is needed.
“There was so much commotion and smoke filling the block — even our store — that I felt wasn’t safe for my employees to even be in here, so I decided to close a little early,” Jennifer says. “I went home and just said, ‘I can’t sit here and do nothing.'”
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The couple is still doing more to help. In addition to accepting donations of food, clothing, and goods at Ladle of Love’s 18 Palmer Ave. location, they’ve started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the families affected and help them rebuild their lives. After just two days, more than 100 people have donated nearly $10,000 to the page, two-thirds of its initial goal.
“We knew how many people we going to be affected by this and lose everything they own so we wanted to get a head start,” says Lampert. “It’s amazing. The response and recognition and support of everyone has been so moving.…I’m just honored and thrilled to spearhead it and be a part of it.”
Ladle of Love has been designated an official Bronxville donation location.. Those interested can drop off supplies and home goods at the shop itself, or donate to the GoFundMe page online.
