Friday, September 14, 2018
Victims Need Our Support
Thousands of our neighbors have had their lives completely upended by the gas explosions and fires in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. There have been multiple injuries, death, property damage, and a growing anxiety about what might happen next. People legitimately worry that there might be more danger, there and possibly elsewhere, and they are concerned about how to restore their lives.
In times of trouble and difficulty we find strength in one another. For those who are experiencing stress, hardship, and pain we must surround them with support and comfort. The magnitude and impact of these fires will take days to begin to sort out. For some, the losses will be devastating.
I ask and invite you to consider how you might take action to support your neighbors in need who, through no fault of their own have had tragedy fall on them. A number of government agencies, community non-profit organizations, business and individuals are mobilizing. Please help in any way that you can. We have faced emergencies and disasters before, we know that when we work together only good can come and fear fades away.
We should all be inspired by what we have already seen. I want to thank everyone who already engaged – the first responders and those who have donated or volunteered are making a real difference. My hope is that we can all be a part of the effort that they have already undertaken.