PG County: How to Help Silver Spring Apartment Blast Victims (Update)

UPDATED at 5:45 p.m. UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Thanks to the generosity of Prince George's County residents who want to help the victims and displaced residents of the Long Branch Apartments in Silver Spring, collection of clothing and other items has ended, authorities said Friday afternoon.

Even though items are no longer being accepted, online donations are still encouraged and can be made through the Maryland Housing Partnership. Click here for more information.

“The outpouring of support says a lot about this community and the region. It shows the resilience that the people of Maryland have as well as our concern for our neighborhoods,” said County Executive Rushern L. Baker III.

Patch's Original Post

Earlier, officials said clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food items would be collected at the Langley Park Multi-Service Center at La Union Mall, 1401 University Blvd., Suite G-1, in Langley Park.

Donations hours:

• Friday, August 12: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 13: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, August 14: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

To donate money, make donations online through the Montgomery Housing Partnership: click here.

The Flower Branch Apartments in the 8600 block of Piney Branch Roadwere gutted Wednesday night about 11:55 p.m. by an explosion and fire.

WUSA reports that two children and three adults are missing, according to family members. Authorities have not confirmed the number of missing residents or their names. Nearly 100 displaced residents have taken refuge at the Long Branch Community Center, where bilingual specialists in Spanish and Amharic (for Ethiopian families) are helping families. Many of the immigrant families lost money and documents showing they can be in the country, and need help recovering.

»Photos of Silver Spring apartment scene courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services