Community Rallies Behind Those Affected By Wappingers Falls Fire

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. -- As Wappingers Falls downtown businesses and residents are still reeling from Saturday's devasting fire that left several businesses and homes destroyed, the community is stepping forward to help.

A drone photo of the blaze on East Main Street in Wappingers Falls.
Photo Credit: *Hughsonville Fire Department*

The fire led to the hours-long closure of East Main Street (Route 9D) in Wappingers Falls.
Photo Credit: *Hughsonville Fire Department*

The building where the blaze broke out on the 2600 block of East Main Street in Wappingers Falls.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view*

K Reakes

06/05/2017 2:00 p.m.

Two groups who are currently collecting money and working to help those affected, include the Wappingers Falls Business & Professional Association who has started a GoFundMe page and Graceland Tattoo who will hold a fundraiser on Sunday.

The GoFundMe page has a goal of $10,000 has already raised more than $6,000 by Monday afternoon. The organization is asking for donations in any amount to help the families and businesses "who are still trying to make sense of this tragedy," the page said. All monies donated go directly to the cause.

The American Legion on Spring Street is also asking for volunteers to help sort the items that have been donated for the families (they have stopped accepting donations of clothes, etc.). To volunteer, email WappingersFallsBPA@gmail.com.

Graceland Tattoo in Wappingers Falls will host a day of small walk-in tattoos on Sunday, June 11 to raise funds to benefits the victims and businesses impacted by the devasting fire on Main Street on Saturday.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the shop's artists will lend their talents by offering select flash designs to tattoo fans with all proceeds going to those immediately affected by the fire.

Graceland Tattoo will also be donating a portion of select piercings for the day as well as collecting cash or gift card donations for those who cannot, or do not wish to get tattooed.

Tattoos will be offered on a first come, first-serve basis, and the shop strongly suggests those interested to line up early as they are hoping for a great turnout.

Their Main Street neighbor and "sister business" County Fare will be donating a portion of sales to the cause as well. The shop is also looking for donations from other local business to include in raffles during the day.

The fire broke out Saturday on the 2600 block of East Main Street (Route 9D) in Wappingers Falls spread to multiple businesses and dwellings, causing heavy damage to the building, which is now uninhabitable.

Graceland Tattoo is at 2648 E Main St., Wappingers Falls. To donate, stop by the shop or call 845-297-3001.

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