West Chicago Apartment Fire Victims Get $33K From DuPage Foundation

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Downers Grove-based DuPage Foundation recently donated more than $32,000 to help the nearly 100 residents who were displaced after a fire tore through the Main Park Apartments in West Chicago in late November.

The aid comes after a trio of local charitable organizations reached out to DuPage Foundation for funds. DuPage Federation asked for $2,600 to help pay Spanish interpreters for the county's Multi-Agency Resource Center. Outreach asked for $10,000 to help get families into new homes. Finally, WeGo Together for Kids had put in a request for $20,000 that would fund emergency shelter.

Each requested grant was doled out Monday.

The Nov. 30 fire destroyed 20 apartments and sent six people, one of whom was a firefighter, to the hospital.

"When we learn about these emergencies, we do everything we can to make connections and bring people together who have the interest and means to provide quick and immediate support,” DuPage Foundation Vice President for Programs Barb Szczepaniak said in a statement.

Other fundraising efforts have been underway since the fire. Residents can click the link to donate funds tohelp the West Chicago fire victims.