New Bedford’s Kilburn Mill Collecting Clothing, Furniture Donations For Fire Victims

Monday morning's fire on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford left two people dead and approximately 40 displaced. Now, the SouthCoast community is coming together to get these families back on their feet.

The idea for a clothing and furniture drop came while City Councilor At-Large Ian Abreu was talking to Jason Costa, the owner of the Acushnet Avenue building.

"I had remembered that the Mill had an entire floor of clothing sitting there and they’re looking to do something with, so I called and asked Jim Murray, one of the owners, and he said absolutely. No questions asked," Abreu said.

In an incredibly quick turnaround, Murray welcomed members of the displaced families into The Kilburn Mill Tuesday morning, giving them access to the clothing at no cost. He said while the families are currently staying in hotels, they will soon be in need of furniture for their homes, and that while the Mill has some items on-hand, it will also provide a spot for the public to drop off donations of children's clothing and toys, furniture, bedding, shoes, baby care items, adult clothing and more.

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"It's a tragedy what happened," Murray said. "There's too many fires; I don't know what's going on, but hopefully we can get them situated and back on their feet."

People wanting to donate items to the cause can stop by the main office at The Kilburn Mill at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard in New Bedford between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donors can also make an appointment for off-hours by calling the Mill at 508-990-3500 and get more info by emailing info@kilburnmill.com.

Costa also set up a GoFundMe and all funds will be divided between the displaced tenants.