Donated Items Damaged by Tyler Fire

TYLER – Because of a fire, the Salvation Army in Tyler has lost some items that would be sold at their Family Store. The fire was in the back corner of the store at Bow and Spring Streets last Thursday morning. The building suffered only minimal damage.

Store manager Beverly Hilton said, “Due to the fire, we lost donations that had been left after hours outside the fence. We also lost donations inside the fence and several containers that we stored and transported donations. Among the things were several high dollar exercise equipment.” With the exercise equipment goes an unknown amount of money that could have assisted in helping those that are in need.”

Hamilton added, “Without a doubt, the biggest are the items that now have smoke damage. New toys and other items were stored at the Family Store to give a head start with the Angel Tree Program which benefits the children and seniors of the community. Almost everything that was stored is now ruined. Going back and looking, we also lost wheel chairs and walkers.”

Some of the items were being earmarked for children whose name would be on this year’s Angel Tree.

Help is being sought from anyone wanting to make sure Christmas is special for every man, woman, boy, or girl who needs a helping hand. Monetary donations can be made online at
http://www.salvationarmytyler.org or by mail at P.O. Box 2050 Tyler, Texas 75710. You should include the word “Christmas” in the memo section. Christmas toys and other items can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Family Store Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm or schedule a pick up by calling 903-266-1635.