How You Can Help The Dover Fire Victims

DOVER, NJ — After dozens of people were displaced from their homes and several businesses were destroyed in a major fire in Dover Monday, support from the community immediately began to pour in. Donations are still being accepted, but the town is requesting very specific things: $25 gift cards, or cash to the Rotary GoFundMe page.

The gift cards should be to local stores, like Walmart, Target, or Sears, and should be in $25 increments. They can be dropped off at the Dover Community Center (37 N. Essex Street) between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Any cash donations should be made through a GoFundMe page set up by the Dover Rotary. "The local Dover Rotary Club is a well known and trusted organization whose members are professionals dedicated to helping our community," officials said. Click here to donate.

In addition to destroying businesses, the fire destroyed several apartment buildings, permanently displacing 40 residents and temporarily displacing another 40. The outpouring of support was immediately overwhelming, with the town stopping physical donations within hours of the fire breaking out.

"Thank you to all the firefighters and emergency personnel who responded and are still on the scene. Thank you to all the people and businesses who donated and are still willing to donate. Thank you to all the volunteers that helped set up the community center and sorted through hundreds and hundreds of clothes and donated items," officials said.

Image via Nicolas Limanov, submitted to Patch and used with permission