Community Pitches In to Help Victims of East Northport Fire

The Northport-East Northport community has embraced the victims of the Jan. 4 fire on Larkfield Road that forced 52 people out of their apartments on one of the coldest days of the year, and left three families homeless.

The fire broke out at Larkfield Vacuum on Larkfield Road and spread to the two adjoining businesses, a record store and shoe repair shop. It also spread up to the second floor of the building where there were 21 apartments. More than 50 residents had to be evacuated and were then bussed by the Town of Huntington to the East Northport Salvation Army. Three families lost their homes in the blaze including seven children; one pre-school aged, four elementary students, one middle school student and one high school student. 

The local teachers union, Pulaski PTA and East Northport Chamber of Commerce organized donations for the victims, while local businesses including NeXt Generation of Dance and "Little" Design Center in East Northport acted as drop-off locations for clothes, food, blankets and other essential items. 

"The response has been overwhelming," Antoinette Blanck, president of the United Teachers of Northport, said.

Blanck said that the donations of goods have been handed out, but those looking to help can donate gift cards to local grocery stores, hardware stores, eateries and other businesses. 

Monetary contributions can be forwarded to the teachers union and checks can be made payable to United Teachers of Northport, with “Larkfield Fire Relief” written on the memo line.

The families whose homes are now unlivable are being temporarily housed at the Hampton Inn in Commack. 

Contributions and gift cards can be sent to the United Teachers of Northport, 166 Laurel Rd., East Northport, NY  11731.