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LETTERS / Several Opportunities Exist To Help Victims of Valle Landing Fire

Dear Editor,

Early on Friday morning, Aug. 12, a catastrophic fire destroyed Valle Landing, a complex of businesses and apartments in the heart of Valle Crucis. The fire claimed five businesses, three occupied homes, and one life. Valle Crucis is small, close-knit community and we are devastated by this disaster. We all want to do whatever we can to best help those affected. There are currently several opportunities to give:

The Nagy Family lost both their home and their business in the fire. They had recently purchased a commercial unit in Valle Landing and were planning to open a restaurant. They were also living in a second-floor apartment in the building. Mrs. Nagy broke four vertebrae jumping from the second-story window after getting her two daughters, ages 11 and 14, to safety. She is currently in Baptist Hospital and is expected to be released on Wednesday. Thanks to a generous neighbor, the Nagys do have a furnished house to live in while they figure out their next steps. They are currently in need of cash and gift cards to purchase groceries, household items, and clothes. The family will face major medical expenses as well as the cost of replacing all of their possessions and finding permanent housing in the near future. Online giving is available at www.gofundme.com/2jqfucpg. Or, gift cards or checks made out directly to Andreas Nagy can be sent care of the Valle Crucis Community Park, PO Box 581, Valle Crucis, NC, 28691.

A young woman also tragically lost her life in the fire, while her husband suffered severe burns and is currently being treated at Baptist Hospital. An online fund has been set up to help cover his medical expenses and get him back on his feet. Online giving is available at marksfund.mydagsite.com. Or, gift cards or checks made out directly to Mark Pietrowicz can be sent care of the Valle Crucis Community Park, PO Box 581, Valle Crucis, NC, 28691.

While we understand that many people want to donate clothes and other household items, it is important to be aware that receiving these donations can be very overwhelming to the affected families. Please, consider donations of money or gift cards in lieu of other items.

If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to call 828-963-9239 or email caroline@vallecrucispark.org. Thank you for all of the generosity that you have shown and will continue to show our neighbors. We are all struggling to come to terms with this tragedy, and we will need to support one another just as we will support those families directly affected by it. We are blessed to live, work, and worship in this community, and we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Caroline Gandy

Executive Director

Valle Crucis Community Park