Parsippany Teacher Rallies For Family Made Homeless By Fire

PARSIPPANY, NJ - A fast-moving fire tore its way through Allentown Road home Thursday destroying the Elvin family's possession and leaving them homeless for the holidays.

But Parsippany Hills Band Director Michael Iapicca has stepped up to help by starting a fundraiser page to assist the family in their recovery.

"I know the family because their oldest son, William, has been my student in the Parsippany Hills Band for the last four years," Iapicca told Patch. "He's a great kid and we want to help him and his family recover from this tragedy ASAP, they lost everything in their home."

According to Iapicca, William lives with his mom and two sisters.

The fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. at the Allentown Road home. Two teens on the second floor smelled smoke and were alerted to the fire by fire alarms. They were able to get out of the home uninjured.

The fire was fully extinguished, but later rekindled while officers were still at the home. Firefighters were called back to the home, and it was re-extinguished, police said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation; first responders said there was heavy smoke coming from the kitchen window. Officials say the home is uninhabitable and the family relocated to a local hotel.

On the fundraiser page, people have been sharing not only their money, but their well wishes.

"Wishing this family strength, love and peace," Linda Egger said. "God bless you all and I pray your family recovers quickly from this terrible fire."

Some donations were from people who knew the family, but many were from strangers.

"I do not know the family, but every holiday season I promise to make at least one monetary donation. I live in the Lake Par area and heard about what happened, so this year I decided to give back local," Stephanie Suscavage said. "My thoughts to your family and I hope the next chapter starts smoothly as possible for you all."

Some, posted on behalf of organizations.

"The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills hopes this donation will help in some your family at this time," Joan Garbarino said. "Know your community is there to support you."

Indeed, the Township of Parsippany posted a call out to the community for assistance. There are collection boxes set up at Town Hall. The family is currently asking for:

• Women's Clothes
• Men's Clothes
• Toiletries
• Gift Cards

Town Hall is located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

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