Area Businesses and Individuals Lend Helping Hand to Red Cross

In the almost 17 hours since a natural gas explosion rocked an Allentown neighborhood, leaving five dead, including a 4-month-old boy, area businesses and individuals are lending a helping hand.

According to Tina Smith, president of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce, member businesses have been e-mailing her throughout the day, letting her know how they are assisting.

is donating $250 to the Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, according to Smith.  Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance and Stitchin' Witch Embroidery of Allentown have also made monetary donations.

John Little, the owner of State Farm Insurance on Belvidere Street is donating 15 cases of water, while Christ Church UCC in Bath is passing information along to local Boy and Girl Scout leaders.

Homewood Suites in Bethlehem has donated a variety of items, including fresh fruit, water, juices, Gatorade, cookies, chips, Chex Mix and fruit snacks for kids, according to Smith.

“There’s been overwhelming support,” she said.

According to a press release issued by the Red Cross, the local office was in need of water, juice, power drinks and snacks.

However, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski said today at a news conference that if you want to donate, donate money.  It costs $400 to shelter, feed, clothe and provide shoes and winter garments for one adult, according to the Red Cross.

As of 4:15 p.m., the local Red Cross chapter has assisted 13 families - 28 adults and two children - who have been affected by the gas explosion.

To make a monetary donation, go to www.redcrosslv.org; call (610) 865-4400 to make a credit card donation; or write a check payable to American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 (please indicate “local disaster relief” on the memo line).

If you’d like to donate items listed above, they can be dropped off at the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 North Main Street, Nazareth.  A Red Cross volunteer will be picking up the items tomorrow, Feb. 11.

The Chamber will be open until 4:30 p.m. today and will open at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

For more information, call (610) 759-9188.