Fundraisers set for victims of  Forward Township house fire
Latest News
October 9, 2019

Fundraisers set for victims of Forward Township house fire

By Stacy Wolford

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
Community members are pulling together to help Forward Township residents displaced by a house fire Sunday.
Two houses were damaged Sunday on Munger Lane. Bill Adams, who lived in the house which initially caught fire, alerted his neighbors Lesa and Dennis Baccile that the fire had also spread to their house.
“Billy Adams lost everything. When he walked out to wake up Lesa and Dennis, he only had slippers on his feet,” said Brittany Werner, who is coordinating the collection drive for the Bacciles.
“Their baby was 5 days old when the fire broke out. They lost everything for him and their stuff was ruined as well,” Werner said.
Werner said the only baby items saved from the fire were the stroller and car seat, which had been in the family car. The family is in need of all manner of clothing, equipment and supplies for an infant, as well as adult clothing. Werner said men’s and women’s large shirts and extra-large hoodies are appreciated, as well as women’s size 12 and men’s size 34/30 jeans.
“I can either pick up or meet them, depending on where they are,” Werner said.
Werner may be contacted through her Facebook page. There is also a link on her page to a GoFundMe account to help the Bacciles.
Werner said a spaghetti dinner is also being organized to help the family. It will be held Oct. 30 at the United Methodist Church, 1565 Washington Boulevard, Port Vue.
Clothing and household items are also being collected for Adams through a drive organized through the New Eagle and Mon City Area Scoop Page on Facebook, with donations being dropped off at Sparkles by Shell, 246 W. Main St., Monongahela. Michelle DeHosse is one of the page administrators, along with Corinna Withrow.
“My friend Corinna contacted me and needed a drop-off location. “I’m here Tuesday through Saturday and I’m just grateful I have my home and I’d hope someone would do this for me,” DeHosse said.
DeHosse said Adams needs extra large shirts, size 9 shoes and 36/30 pants.
DeHosse said that just a few days into the effort and already people have dropped off a comforter, two bags of clothing and a food processor. She said anything Adams doesn’t need will be given to City Mission or the St. Vincent DePaul Society, which also provide assistance to fire victims.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Thursday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.

Graduation day at PennWest California
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Hannah Smith, an elementary education major from Cecil, celebrates with fellow graduates during PennWest California’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday at the Convocation Center. See more photo...
BVA investigating social media threats
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
In response, police will have an increased presence today at Rostraver Elementary. By LADIMIR GARCIA and TAYLOR BROWN lgarcia@yourmvi.com tbrown@yourmvi.com Belle Vernon Area School District officials...
Up to 6 inches of snow blankets the Mon Valley
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
The storm was followed by bitter cold, but a warmup is in the forecast for later this week. Snow from a weekend winter storm tapered off early Sunday morning, but not before dropping several inches ac...
Latest winners honored in Ideas 2 Enterprise program
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio won first-place honors and a $5,000 grant. Big ideas and small businesses were in the spotlight Thursday as local entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the late...
Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport has new director
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Michael Chirichella wants people to feel at home whenever they visit the library. By COLETTE FUNCHES McKeesport Community Newsroom When visitors enter the doors of the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesp...
Elizabeth Township sets water shut-off procedure
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 15, 2025
It runs through March 31, covering non-payment issues for the winter. Elizabeth Township has approved a water shut-off procedure with Pennsylvania American Water for customers who don’t pay their bill...