How to Support Victims of January House Fires in Amherst

Peshkov Family Home

We've had two devastating house fires this past month in Amherst - the first, on January 7, destroyed the Peshkov's family home on Leverett Road. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but this family of five lost all their belongings, from their cars and furniture to clothing, textbooks, backpacks, etc. 

Rolling Green Apartment Fire
Photo courtesy of Steven O'Toole

The second house fire, at Rolling Green Apartments on the morning of January 21, damaged 10 units at 422 Belchertown Road, leaving four families and 20 UMass students homeless and tragically claiming the life of UMass student Jake Hoffman of Stoughton. Over the past several weeks, people across the community (and from far away, too) have been coming together to help our neighbors get back on their feet. Here's how you can support these efforts:

Peshkov Fire Fund

Donations of new or gently used supplies, furnishings, clothing, etc. are currently being accepted. Please participate by clicking on this link (http://vols.pt/D7KN2z), entering your email and signing up for "Peshkov Household Supplies." Monetary donations are particularly needed and can be sent to:

Peshkov Fire Fund

c/o UMass Five College F.C.U.

200 Westgate Center Drive

P.O. Box 1060

Hadley, MA 01035-1060

Rolling Green Fire Fund

The most immediate need is for money donations in the form of personal checks or gift cards that can be used to purchase essentials. Personal Checks should be made payable to:

Rolling Green Fire Fund

Florence Savings Bank

385 College Street

Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 586-1300

Gift cards from any local grocery or department store should be delivered to either the Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS), Fort River Elementary School, or Crocker Farm Elementary School for distribution. They can be dropped off at the Principal’s Office or, at ARMS, students can deliver them to their advisors. 

Stephanie Jernigan Fund

A separate fund for the Jernigan family, Stephanie Jernigan and her two children (who lived at Rolling Green and lost everything), has also been set up and is being managed online at http://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/Amherst-mother-and-children-who-lost-everything-in-Rolling-Green-fire/40203

Please give generously if you are able. Our neighbors have lost so much, but together we can make an enormous difference in their lives. Thank you for your support and generosity!