Plans were launched immediately to help seven Mary D fire victims who lost everything in a Sunday night fire.

Offers of kindness and generosity emerged while flames were still devouring the two homes on Sunny Drive.The fire victims are: the Dennings, Jeremy and Jodi, with two children, Jacob, 5, and Destini, 9, both with birthdays in December, and their disabled grandmother Illomay Nelson, 81; and the Kutashes, Pete and Ida, an elderly couple, one confined to a wheelchair, who are also left homeless.Rosalind Nelson "Pixie" Hosler of Mary D, Jodi's mother, said the Denning family will stay with relatives for now.The Nelson/Ziegler family is a large, supportive group in the Tamaqua area and will rally to help the family but will need additional help.Hosler will try to compile a list of clothing and furniture needs as soon as possible.Schuylkill American Red Cross offered mental/emotional support and other assistance; Jolene Barron, elementary school teacher of one of the victims, and Kristen and Robby Krapf organized a clothing drive, helped by others.The Kutash couple is currently staying with neighbor Christine Verdier, across the street.Both families, however, will need to find permanent living arrangements. Both families will have to purchase what they've lost and slowly rebuild their lives.It can take months or even years for fire victims to recover financially and emotionally.Ways to help1. Monetary donations in amounts of $5 and up are being accepted online at: GoFundMe.com/7MaryDFireVictims. This is via the Tamaqua Volunteers group. Last day to donate is Dec. 22. For more information: 570-668-1234.2. Monetary donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank. Simply mention you want to donate to the "Mary D Sunny Drive Fire Victim Fund." Donations can also be mailed to Wells Fargo Bank at 17 West Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252. This is via the Tamaqua Volunteers group. Last day to donate is Dec. 22.3. Drop off unwrapped toys, gift cards or monetary donations can be made at Ziegler's Auto Repair & Towing, 133 Claremont Ave. (Hometown Hill), between 10-4 daily.4. Drop off unwrapped toys, gift cards, or monetary donations at Tamaqua East End Fire Company, 555 East Broad St. through Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.5. A Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Nelson/Denning family will take place from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the Tamaqua Elks Lodge, 201 West Broad St.Kelly Boerner of the Tamaqua Rescue Squad began making arrangements for the dinner within moments of the disaster and is spreading word via social media. Boerner said there will be a bin set up to accept packaged toy donations for the two children. More information is on Facebook under Denning/Nelson Spaghetti Dinner.Tamaqua Volunteers said for any donation pickup, call Robby Krapf at 570-778-8794.To reach the Denning/Nelson family to offer assistance, call 570-778-7247 or 570-668-5727. To reach the Kutash family, call 570-668-4432.If possible, however, try to limit direct contact with the families at this time.Additional aidHosler indicated an immediate need for girls' size 12-14 clothing and size 3 shoes. Also needed: boys' size 13 or 13 1/2 shoes and size 6-7 clothing.Donations also can be dropped off at the Schuylkill Township Municipal Building, Walnut Street, Mary D.Andy Leibenguth of the Tamaqua Salvation Army said that organization stands ready to help, as well.Food provided at the scene was donated Sunday by Tamaqua Burger King, Tamaqua Turkey Hill, Hometown McDonald's and Tamaqua Salvation Army.In addition, Ronny Ziegler of Ziegler's Towing of Hometown, stepped forward with a monetary contribution. Fire victim Jodi Denning is Ziegler's cousin.The outpouring of concern touched many at the scene."It's always hard to lose everything in a fire, but particularly heart-wrenching at the holidays," said Paula Masscotte, Mary D."That's what's so nice about living in our area," said Rochelle Lazarchick, Tamaqua. "People really care about each other."Plans were being formulated to establish a fire victims' assistance fund at a local bank.Details will be announced shortly.