Merrimack Valley Explosions: How To Help

ANDOVER, MA -- In the wake of Thursday's gas explosions that left more than 60 Merrimack Valley families with damaged or demolished homes, people have been asking how they can help. Patch will continue to update this list of groups accepting donations and coordinating volunteer efforts as quickly as we can verify the legitimacy of each group.

Make sure you check out whoever you decide to make donation to. Andover Police said Friday afternoon they had already gotten a report from a resident who received a call from an unknown person seeking donations on behalf of the Andover Fire Department, citing yesterday's gas emergency in the Merrimack Valley. Andover officials said they are "not soliciting monetary donations of any kind, and are actively working to continue stabilization efforts following dozens of explosions and fires in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence."

If your nonprofit is accepting donations or coordinating volunteer efforts, please contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com or 617-433-7851 to be included on this list.

American Red Cross

"Many homes have been destroyed and people are under an evacuation notice; this could turn into a long-term response," the Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross tweet Thursday night. "We have workers and supplies on site now, but will need more as we go."

To donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit https://redcross.org/donate. To volunteer, visit https://redcross.org/volunteer.

Essex County Community Fund

The group has started a Lawrence Emergency Fund for those affected by the explosions and fires. Donate at eccf.org/lawrenceemergencyfund or call 978-777-8876.

Food Donations

The City of Lawrence is collecting food and coordinating volunteers at the Lawrence Senior Center at 155 Haverhill Street.

The Greg Hill Foundation

The radio personality's locally-focused charity held an on-air fundraiser during his show on WAFF Friday morning. You can still donate by visiting thegreghillfoundation.org/.

MSCPA

The group's Nevins Farm in Methuen is open and housing animals displace by Thursday's events. Donations can be made at mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center/. Call 978-687-7453 x6101 for more information or for help locating a missing pet.

North Shore-Merrimack Valley Relief Fund

The cities of Beverly, Peabody, Salem and Lynn set up a fund for residents of those cities to contribute directly to relief efforts. Those who wish to donate may do so by visiting any Eastern Bank location and donating over the counter. An online donation option will be available at www.salem.com by early next week.

"This is an unimaginable tragedy for so many families," said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. "I'm grateful for the collective empathy of the residents of the North Shore, who reached out and asked how they can help and support their neighbors in the Merrimack Valley. I hope everyone who is able will donate to the relief efforts for the dozens of families who have lost homes and belongings, or suffered injuries, in this terrible accident."

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More Coverage On Patch:

• Columbia Gas Was Slow To Respond To 2012 Explosion In WV
• Merrimack Valley Explosions: 'It's A Ghost Town'
• 'War Zone:' Evacuations, Gas Explosions In Merrimack Valley

Photo of a volunteer organizing food donations, including 5,000 donuts, in Andover, by Jenna Fisher/Patch.