Update on relief efforts for W. Chicago fire victims

West Chicago, Illinois: July 15, 2011 - West Chicago police have released additional information on efforts to assist victims of the Aspen Ridge Apartment Complex fire that took place on July 11, 2011, and which impacted 23 apartments and displaced 23 families.

Due to the smoke, fire and water damage, some of these families are left with little to no household and personal items. The West Chicago Police Department has received numerous phone call from members of the community offering donations.

If anyone is interested in donating household items or furniture in addition to clothing , they can be dropped off at St. Vincent DePaul located at 213 Main St.

Also, if anyone has items they wish to donate and would like picked up, please contact St. Vincent De Paul at (630) 231-4658 to arrange for a donation pick up. Victims of the fire will receive vouchers that can be redeemed at the thrift store. Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at St. Mary's Food Pantry located on Garden Street behind the church.

Additionally, the West Chicago Police Department is accepting monetary donations on behalf of the families in the form of gift cards or checks made payable to the West Chicago Police Department.

The City of West Chicago would like to send a special thank you to the following businesses, and public agencies for their assistance: DuPage County Community Services, Sleep Innovations, Olive Garden, McDonald's, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Sharing Connection, West Chicago School District 33, Community High School District 94 and DuPage County Board Member Dirk Enger.