LAWRENCE — Thanks to the generosity of the Merrimack Valley, a check for $26,347 was handed to Habitat for Humanity from The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund.
The money was collected after a Jan. 21, 2008, fire that took out a city block, including two nearly finished homes being built by Habitat for Humanity.
"We're enormously gratified," said Larry Sharpe, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. "It was a wonderful Christmas surprise because it comes at a time when what we do is needed more. Times are getting increasingly difficult, and that makes us ever more grateful."
After the fire at the corner of Market and Parker streets, Merrimack Valley residents pledged a total of $75,846.68 to help victims through the Santa Fund. The Santa Fund collects donations annually at holiday time to help needy people.
The newspaper reopened the fund to collect donations to help the fire victims and worked with the Salvation Army to ensure every dollar went to them.
Sharpe said this check will be used to finish the construction of seven homes Habitat for Humanity volunteers are building.
Habitat for Humanity has seven homes framed and expects to have two homes ready by the spring, Sharpe said. The homes will be given to two families who were only days away from moving in before the tragic fire.
Eagle-Tribune Publisher Al Getler said the donations help those displaced by the fire buy clothing, furniture, pay for rent for new apartments and even buy a car.
"We really appreciate the generosity of our readers," he said.
