Donations Pour in for Nazareth Family Displaced by Fire

Karla Dewey and her 3-year-old son, Cole, were taking a nap when a fire ripped through their N. Green Street home. Thankfully, both were able to escape unharmed.

The March 13 blaze, however, of a row of townhouses.

Out of the five townhouses, were able to save four. The family at 40 N. Green St. -- the Dewey family -- lost everything.

Seeing a local family and neighbor in need, the Nazareth community -- and some individuals and businesses from surrounding communities -- came together and in gift cards, gift certificates and personal checks.

State Rep. Joe Emrick even dropped off three gift cards for the family.

Also donated:

• Toys, books and clothes for Cole.
• Karla had the opportunity to shop for clothes at My Sister's Closet in Hanover Township.
• A dining room table, a Pack 'N Play, a microwave and four tickets to attend an Iron Pig's game.
• The donated a one-year family membership.

"[Nazareth is] a wonderful small town, filled with generous, kind people who care for their neighbors," said Ben Miller, an resident who helped spearhead the donation drive. "I've always been proud to be a part of the Nazareth community, there's not too many places like it around anymore."

Miller set up a Facebook page called "Support Nazareth Fire Victims." When a donation was received, Miller updated the Facebook page so the community could see the generosity coming in.

Every time Miller posted an update, Rich Dewey, Karla's husband and a volunteer firefighter with , commented with an enthusiastic "Thank you!"

Miller presented the donations to the family on April 1.

On Monday, April 16, a fundraiser will be held from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. at in .

Print the ticket to the right of this article and bring it with you on April 16. Present it to your server and 10 percent of all pre-taxed food sales will be donated to the Dewey family.

If you have any problems printing the ticket, e-mail editor Mallory Vough at mallory.vough@patch.com for assistance.