An overnight fire leaves members of the Indian Rocks Beach VFW without a post.
- Fire damaged Indian Rocks Beach VFW Post
- Donated items for needy families destroyed
- Members accepting donations to continue holiday efforts
Volunteer Tammy Swartzveck was the first to arrive Friday morning.
“It was normal, everything was fine," Swartzveck said. "I unlocked the door and pulled it open. Then I saw the debris on the floor.”
It was the first sign something was wrong. Then she saw the next.
“The smoke started coming out," Swartzveck said. "At that point and I backed up the people behind me and I said I think something is wrong."
Fire officials are still investigating the cause but said the fire started sometime overnight.
“It’s heartbreaking. We put a lot of work and a lot of time in here," said Post Commander Bill Haynes.
While some items were salvaged, Haynes and Swartzveck said the donations collected for needy families this Thanksgiving are all lost.
“We have six families and we give them to the families to do their own dinners and it’s all gone. It’s just sad," Swartzveck said.
Members are hoping to continue their holiday efforts with a new collection. If you would like to donate, please contact Haynes by email at BHaynes68@gmail.com.