UPDATE–Feb. 4, 2 p.m.:  Organizers are grateful that all items listed as needed for donation have been provided by the community, and they say the family is set for now on items. What is still needed and welcome:  gift cards from area stores or VISA/cash cards.

From organizer Susan Cramer:

“We have had an incredible outpouring of donations and support for the Bergins in the form of brand new clothes, beautiful gently used clothes, toys and gift cards! Not only from Wilton, but many surrounding towns are contributing. Incredible!! We now need to get the word out that they are all set with all of those items, except anyone still wanting to contribute in the form of gift cards for items they will need as they move forward would be appreciated.”

Suggestions include VISA gift cards, Target, Amazon, Bob’s, Wilton Sport Shop, Walmart, local restaurants, CVS, Stop & Shop, etc.. See below for drop-off locations.

ORIGINAL STORY:  In the wake of Thursday night’s fire completely destroying the home at 14 Shadow Ln. and all its contents, the Wilton Community is marshaling help for the residents, the Bergin family, who weren’t at home when the fire broke out and thankfully were not injured.

The single-family house fire required mutual aid from seven towns, including multiple tankers and engines from all emergency responders. They worked hard to extinguish the blaze, but were unable to save the structure. The house and all its contents are a total loss. No lives were lost in the fire, but the Bergins, a family of four, has lost everything.

Neighbors and friends have mobilized quickly. Close friend Susan Cramer says everything was lost and the Bergins only have what they were wearing and had with them at the time. So one of the first things she’s done is to create a page on the website LotsaHelpingHands.com, with a list of essential items–clothing, items for their dog, gift cards–for the community to donate to tide them over until they can regroup. Another friend has taken care of completely replacing supplies and backpacks that their two children need for school.

Also in the works is a GoFundMe.com page for financial contributions as well as a schedule for meal sign-up. [GOOD Morning Wilton will update with that link as soon as its available.] The PTAs at Cider Mill and Middlebrook Schools, where Bergins’ sons are students, have pledged to help out as well.

Cramer is grateful for the outpouring of support that people have already pledged. After word of the fire and the loss spread quickly on social media, Wilton residents immediately started offering whatever the family needs–clothing, money, furniture, even housing.

Cramer posted a message on Facebook:  “Thank you so much for your help as we come together as a community to help our friends. We truly appreciate it!!”

Organizers as asking for gently used or new items listed below:

Please drop off the items in bags at the following locations. There will be bins outside of the garage:

27 Black Alder Lane

Needed:  Gently used or new clothing and shoes (tops, sweatshirts, sweaters, shoes, pants, sweatpants, PJ’s, socks, etc).

13 year old boy:  size 14 pants, YXL or Adult Small sweat pants, YXL Top, size 8.5 shoe/boot

10 year old boy:  size 12 pants, YL sweatpants, YL Top, size 5.5 shoe/boot

Mom:  Size 8-10, Medium/Large Tops, size 9 shoe/boot

Dad:  34 waist, Mens Large shirt, size 9.5 shoe, he’s missing his baseball hat collection in case folks have a few laying around.

77 Hurlbutt Street (driveway on Shadow Lane):

Winter clothing items, gently used (see sizes above):   hats, gloves, coats, boots, etc.

31 Shadow Lane

Needed:  Items for their Dog and soccer items

Items for large dog:  she eats dog food with a dalmatian on the package–Eukanuba; large dog bowls, large dog bed, large crate, a few toys

Soccer Items for boys:  balls, shin guards, soccer clothes, soccer socks; outdoor and indoor toys that the boys would want to play. Cleats are not needed.

Gift cards in any amount to purchase essential items for restaurants/delivery. Ideas include gift cards to Bob’s, Wilton Sport Shop, Visa cards, Walmart, Amazon, local restaurants.