A fire on Valentine's Day in Summit Hill that heavily damaged a residence has shown the victims they live in a community where people have a big heart.

The fire happened shortly after noon at the residence of Steven and Mary O'Donnell in the 100 block of West Hazard Street.After the fire, Kira and Kevin Steber organized a donation drive for the O'Donnells, seeking cash and gift cards.Although specific figures weren't mentioned, the O'Donnells said in a letter to Summit Hill Borough Council, "The outpouring of support shown to us reinforces what belonging to a community truly means."They said in the letter, "We will do our best to personally thank those who included their names with the donations. For those that chose to remain anonymous, please know we are grateful for your support as well."The letter continued:"To the first responders, I owe you a great debt of gratitude for your care of my mother, and for acting quickly to prevent the situation from becoming far worse than it was. We understand many of you had to leave your places of employment to be on scene. We thank your employers for understanding that your service is vital to our local communities."The O'Donnells gave praise to the Stebers for organizing the donation drive. They said in the letter, "Their thoughtfulness has truly touched us, and we are eternally grateful for their efforts."Kevin said it was the people who donated, not him and Kira, who deserve the praise."Summit Hill is a community of tight-knit people," Kevin said. "It's not we doing this. It's the community doing this."In other business:• Kira Steber, the borough's secretary-treasurer, said the annual spring cleanup will be held on April 24 and May 8.On April 24, the cleanup will be on the east side of town along with Knepper's Trailer Court and East and West White Bear Drive. Regular trash collections will occur on April 25.On May 8, the cleanup will be on the west side along with Laurel Drive and East and West Mountaintop Road. Regular trash pickup is May 9.Items to be picked up will be tires (no more than four), tire rims, auto body parts, refrigerators, freezers, vending machines, water coolers, heat pumps, washers, dryers and stoves. Freon must be removed form refrigerators and similar devices.In addition, up to 10 bags of garbage will be collected.• Steber said an electronics recycling event for borough residents only will be heldMay 6.Curbside pickup will occur for TVs, computers, keyboards, monitors, etc. All TVs must be in one piece with no parts removed or they won't be picked up. Any other items such as microwaves, stereos, VCRs or vacuums are to be placed with regular trash, not with electronic recycling.• Kevin Steber, the borough's emergency management coordinator, said classes are beginning for the Community Emergency Response Team. He urged that more residents consider becoming involved. The participants receive instruction in basic first aid, triage, disaster preparedness and terrorism awareness. In the event of a disaster, CERT members can be used as volunteers.For more information, and to register, call 570-325-3097.• The borough was informed the 2017 Veterans Day Parade will be held in Summit Hill. The council approved the matter.• A contract was awarded totaling $2,810 to H.D. Lyons Inc., for installing programmable thermostats in the borough hall and police department.• The borough is taking applications for individuals interested in being hired to open, close and clean the Community Center after events held there. Anyone interested should contact the borough secretary during business hours.Meanwhile, Kira Steber will do the work until someone is hired.The person who previously held the job found other employment.• The council agreed to advertise an ordinance establishing the registration, maintenance and security of abandoned real property.