Early on the morning of December 20, several units in the International Residence apartment complex were engulfed by fire. This affected a number of McNeil High School, Deerpark Middle School, and Forest North Elementary students - many have lost all of their belongings.
For those wanting to help families impacted by the fire, please see the information below regarding ways to help families affected by this tragedy:
The McNeil PTSA will collect donations at the main entrance of McNeil High School, Dec. 20 from 1:15 - 6:00 p.m. and at the boy's basketball game this evening. Items donated can include gift cards and monetary donations (checks made payable to McNeil PTSA). For questions, please contact Heather Combs or 512-801-3717. McNeil High School is located at 5720 McNeil Rd. in Austin.
Any clothing and food donations (i.e., toys, food, blankets, clothing or coats) will be delivered to Austin Disaster Relief Network for distribution to families in need.
Deerpark Middle School is accepting clothing and shoes in all sizes for children and adults, food and other household donations (toys, blankets, new socks and underwear, coats, etc.) until 4:00 p.m. Dec. 20 at the school. Deerpark Middle School is located at 8849 Anderson Mill Rd. in Austin.
Forest North Elementary will be accepting clothing and shoes in all sizes for children and adults, food and other household donations (toys, blankets, new socks and underwear, coats, etc.). The school is located at 13414 Broadmeade in Austin.
Items can be dropped off at Forest North Thursday, Dec. 20 until 6:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 21 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon. Monetary donations can also be made to the Forest North PTA. Checks should be made out to FNE PTA and dropped off at the school. Credit card donations will be accepted beginning later today on the FNE PTA website.
Other avenues for assistance include:
Your concern, support and assistance is felt and appreciated throughout the district.