To the editor:

The tragic fire at Westridge Townhomes early Sunday morning has displaced multiple families, all with children. These families have lost everything including their clothing, furniture and household items, and personal belongings; so many things that we take for granted in our everyday lives. United Way is assisting these families with housing plans, providing emergency shelter until safe and stable housing is secured, food assistance and ready to eat meals, and clothing and other items that will start to help the families feel whole again. The families are also in need of beds and furniture items. To donate used furniture to help these families, please call United Way at 515-573-3170.

United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is providing these families with one-on-one assistance and guidance to help them stabilize their living situations. United Way is accepting monetary donations to help support these families. Donations can be made payable to the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, 24 N. Ninth St, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or you can donate online at www.unitedwayfd.org. These families need our help and now is the time to offer a helping hand.

Randy Kuhlman

Chief executive officer

Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way