Town Rallies To Help Manchester Kennel Owners After Fire

MANCHESTER, NJ — Friends and members of the community are rallying to help a Manchester couple whose home burned down Wednesday after it was struck by lightning.

A donation drive seeking gift cards and pet supplies for the owners of J & R Kennel has been organized by Greg Hussey of Evolution Martial Arts.

That effort has expanded to include a GoFundme campaign and direct monetary donations, an effort promoted by the Manchester Township Police Department in support of Hussey's efforts.

"As many of you know, our friends Liz and Mark of J& R Kennel have been life savers to us and our dogs," Hussey wrote on the Evolution Martial Arts Facebook page. "They tragically lost their home yesterday from a fire caused by lightning. We are going to be set up as a donation site at our school so everyone can get them and their animals some much-needed items."

The couple's home at 318 Beckerville Road was destroyed by the fire, and Manchester police said some of their pets died in the fire, which had engulfed the home by the time police and firefighters arrived.

Hussey has established dropoff times at the martial arts school for anyone wishing to help. Evolution Martial Arts, at 1565 Route 37 west, Suite 8, will be accepting donations Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Hussey said.

Among the items requested are gift cards to Walmart, Target, Wawa, grocery stores and home stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond or Home Goods, Amazon, Chewy or Visa gift cards. Also requested are storage bins, personal hygiene items such as disposable razors, toothpaste, mouthwash, feminine hygiene products, Advil or Tylenol, Q-Tips, and nonperishable food. Hussey said they also need dry cat food, dog food (preferably Purina Pro Plan 30/20 beef) and dog and cat treats.

In addition to the donation collection at Evolution Martial Arts, items can be dropped off at the Manchester Township municipal building, 1 Colonial Dr., Manchester. There is contact-free dropoff in the lobby from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through July 8, at which time the items will be delivered to the family.

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe campaign set up by the Husseys, or funds can be sent directly to the couple via Venmo (search for @BarnyardPetz). Cash or checks may be dropped off at 318 Beckerville Road, via a drop box in front of the house. Anyone with questions can contact Manchester Detective Adam Emmons at 732-657-2009, ext. 4203.

The couple was not injured in the fire, but two cats, a bird and several reptiles that were among their pets perished in the fire, Manchester Police Capt. Todd Malland said.

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