Residents and businesses donate to help victims of a house fire

DELAVAN – Donations are flowing in to help victims of Monday’s house fire.

Many of the tenants left the Swan Creek Condominiums with only the clothes they were wearing.

Previous coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/walworth-county/delavan-condominium-residents-left-without-a-home-after-fire-ravages-complex

Previous coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/walworth-county/condominium-fire-displaces-29-people-in-delavan

Over the past 48 hours, bags full of clothing, blankets, pet supplies and even toiletries have been dropped off at local Delavan businesses like Town Bank, Advanced Auto Clinic and Mobil Mart.

Via Facebook pages likeSE Wisconsin Scanner Happenings and the group, It takes a village – Walworth CountyFundraisers like Jamie Reeves and Robert Cook were able to spread the word to help the victims.

When Gale Galvan saw the first posts on social media, she knew she had to help.

“I can’t imagine losing everything and you know how terrible you feel and I just thought if I can give back in this way then I’m happy to do it,” Galvan said.

The salon owner knows how a new haircut can lift a person’s mood. She owns Studio 105 in Delavan. With free haircuts, cookies and a meeting place, she helps victims release their trauma.

“I thought, if this helps them in some way to take the stress of what’s happening out of their lives, then I’m doing my job,” Galvan said.

Since the fire, dozens of individuals and companies like Galvan have taken action.

For Jamie Reeves, the fire hits close to home. Her parents lost their condominium on Monday evening.

“This week has been a nightmare for her,” Reeves said. “They lost everything.”

Mike Beiermeister

She told TMJ4 that the 29 displaced residents would have to wait 12 to 14 months before they could return home.

On Wednesday, she couldn’t believe the amount of physical and financial donations from the Delavan community and the entire state.

“The donations have been overwhelming, absolutely overwhelming,” Reeves said.

Robert Cook works with Jamie’s father Ron at Mobile Mart. Many of the victims of the house fire are customers there.

“We have to help them,” Cook said. “That’s not really an option.”

Mike Beiermeister

On Wednesday, he showed TMJ4 a room full of bags full of items for the victims.

Mayor Ryan Schroeder told TMJ4 he wasn’t surprised by the community’s overwhelming support. He is expected to help at a Red Cross luncheon for victims at the United Methodist Church on Thursday.

It’s just the beginning for these people, who now have a long road ahead of them. Only they are not alone; A community stands behind them.

“We couldn’t do it without you, that’s how strong Delavan is,” Reeves said.

Reeves and Cook are currently working to distribute these items to people. The Red Cross is also supporting the displaced people.

Gift cards and cash donations will be accepted at Town Bank at 820 E Geneva St. Checks can be made payable to Swan Creek Condo Association.

The First National Bank and Trust in Delavan is also collecting donations for the victims on behalf of the Red Cross. Checks or cash are accepted. The bank is located at 1221 South Shore Drive.

Items not donated to the families will be donated to Love INC in Burlington and a local homeless shelter.

Here is a list of some of the businesses, churches and organizations that have helped…

Culver’s of Delavan

Studio 105

Fleet Farm and its employees

Janesville Home Depot

Advanced Auto and all of their customers

Continental Plastic Corp

City bank

Mobile Mart

Delavan Lanes

Little Caesars of Delavan

Mayor Ryan Schroeder and Erin Hill

American Red Cross

Delavan United Methodist Church

What caused the fire is still under investigation.

It’s time to start paying attention to your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip