Fundraisers aid victims of U.S. Steel Clairton Works tragedy
A Salvation Army campaign will continue through Sept. 30, and there are many other ways to help.
In the weeks since a deadly explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, the Mon Valley has mobilized — rallying behind the victims’ families with fundraisers, donations and grassroots support efforts still going strong.
On Aug. 11, tragedy struck around 10:47 a.m. when an explosion ripped through coke oven batteries 13 and 14 and sent a massive plume of black smoke into the air, captured on video by a nearby environmental monitoring group.
Two additional blasts followed. In total, two workers were killed and 10 others injured.
According to preliminary findings from U.S. Steel, the explosion was caused by a buildup of pressure in a gas valve being flushed during planned maintenance, which led to an ignition. The plant, now a subsidiary of Japan-based Nippon Steel Corp., is operating in a limited capacity as investigations continue with the involvement of federal and county agencies.
The company, along with federal agencies, continues to investigate.
While the investigation unfolds, people across the region aren’t waiting for answers to start offering help.
Ongoing efforts
The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania is spearheading an official donation campaign in partnership with U.S. Steel. One hundred percent of the funds collected will go to the families of the deceased and those seriously injured.
Donations can be made through Sept. 30 at salvationarmywpa.org/ steel or by texting “steel” to 31333.
“The outpouring of support from this community is nothing short of incredible,” Maj. Marcus Jugenheimer said. “We will make sure every dollar goes where it’s needed most.”
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team was on site immediately after the blast, delivering meals, water and recovery items to first responders and plant workers.
Their teams served more than 650 meals, distributed hundreds of drinks and snacks, and deployed mobile response units to assist with on-scene recovery.
Texas Roadhouse in West Mifflin will hold a benefit from 3 to 11 p.m. Monday, donating a portion of food sales to affected families.
The event is a partnership with the mayor and Clairton City Council.
“Your meal will help provide comfort, relief and hope during this difficult time,” the restaurant said in a statement.
Other ways of support have been well received in the past few weeks, ranging from simple collection drives to basket auctions.
On Aug. 22, Small Town Tavern in Rostraver Township hosted a benefit that raised $6,369.06 for the families.
The official GoFundMe launched by USW Local 1557 has already raised more than $85,000 of its $90,000 goal. Donations can be made at gofund. me/948fb955.
Other donations have been collected at local city concerts, shops and businesses.
Sparkles by Shell, a Monongahela-based apparel shop, launched the Clairton Strong campaign, selling T-shirts, hoodies and yard signs a few days after the tragedy.
In less than 24 hours, 700 orders came in.
Last week, owner Michelle DeHosse received her stock order to print the shirts. It showed up on a 16-wheeler.
“This community should be proud,” DeHosse said. “This is a first for me and I have been in business for 20 years. I have put in some large orders before and have had, mostly machinery delivered by truck, but never a stock shirt order.”
Proceeds will go to United Steelworkers Local 1557 for direct distribution.
Orders are still being accepted and can be made at clairtonstrong.itemorder. com, by phone at 724-3103990, or in person at 600 Park Ave., Suite C, Monongahela.
Those who have already ordered should be getting an e-mail with tracking information in the next few weeks.
“We have a lot of printing to do,” DeHosse said.
