[The following press release was submitted by Brooksby Village.]

People who live at Brooksby Village came together and raised more than $14,000 for the families who lost their homes in the December fire in Peabody. Two of the displaced families stayed at Brooksby Village while they looked for new places to live.

“More than 1,700 people call Brooksby Village and the city of Peabody their home,” said Jim Wingardner, Executive Director, Brooksby Village.

“When we first heard about the fire, we immediately contacted the mayor’s office to see if we could offer any of our guest rooms to the displaced families. When word spread throughout the campus that two moved in temporarily, we were bombarded with residents making donations. People who live here were thrilled to be able to help out,” Wingardner said.

The two families stayed at Brooksby Village for 30 days.

“I can’t thank Brooksby Village enough for their generosity during this difficult time,” said Lisa Jaber, one of the families displaced in the fire.  “Not only did they provide a place for my children and me to stay, but they bought me a new crib for when I came home from the hospital with my newborn. I can’t thank them enough.”