MEET JANICE MOORE
Just 8 days ago, what started as a simple sleepover with close cousins in East Baltimore, ended up being the single worst day in Janice Moore’s life. The rowhouse on the block of N. Patterson Park, in the Broadway East neighborhood, was engulfed in flames that almost claimed the lives of 5 boys and one 33-year-old man. Luckily for them, they only escaped with minor injuries. Once the flames were tamed, and fire fighters were able to enter the rowhouse, it was discovered that three lives were lost. Thirty-five-year-old Janice Williams, and her two kids, 7-year-old Aubrey and 12-year-old Antwan Branch.
According to the kid’s godmother, their bodies were burnt beyond recognition. However, only a mother can recognize what once was. Moore lost her daughter, and two grandchildren that day. Her two other grandchildren, 2-year-old Darnell and 15-year-old Tayvon survived the blaze. Moore is fortunate that a nearby neighbor caught Darnell, clad only in a diaper, when he fell from a window.
Moore is inconsolable. If there wasn’t a senseless fire, her daughter would’ve moved into a new home to start a new phase in her life. Instead of wading in grief, Moore connected with friends and neighbors for help. Both surviving grandkids were without shoes, clothes, toys, and even a meal for Thanksgiving. This senseless act happened just a few days short of the Holidays. One of her close friends recommended The Salvation Army of Central Maryland for help. The Army is known for saving Christmas and Thanksgiving for so many children in Baltimore city.
One quick phone call to our area command resulted in a personal visit from Lt. Antonio Willis of our Hampden Corps. Willis, along with our Development and Social Services staff, were able to provide a full Thanksgiving meal comprised of a pasteurized turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and macaroni and cheese. In addition, our team saved Christmas for Darnell and Tayvon by stocking personal hygiene products, toys, clothing, and boots. Because the boys lost all of their personal effecs
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