Las Vegas community gives to victims of apartment fire

CREATED Jul. 6, 2012

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  • Las Vegas, NV (KTNV)- We brought it to you as breaking news Thursday night as flames tore through two buildings at the Sonoma Shadows apartments on Karen Avenue just east of Maryland Parkway. Video by ktnv.com

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Action News brought it to you as breaking news Thursday night as flames tore through two buildings at the Sonoma Shadows apartments on Karen Avenue just east of Maryland Parkway.

Dozens of people are looking for new homes now after the flames destroyed 22 apartment units. The Red Cross had volunteers helping before the call from the fire department officially went out. Now, the community's still coming together to help people they've never met.

"When I came on the scene is was already up in flames and i dropped to my knees and i was like oh my god I thought they were still in there," says Leteasa Rodgers, one fire victim.

The Red Cross is helping 52 people get back on their feet.

"What we do is give them a card, and nobody knows what they need better than they do," says Lloyd Ziel with the Southern Nevada chapter of the American Red Cross.

Just enough to give victims a chance at buying food, water, furniture, clothes, and other necessities.

"We gave out thirteen thousand dollars last night. We give that out as a donation to folks who were displaced," says Ziel.

Among those displaced, Lateasa Rodgers, her son and his pregnant wife.

"We lost everything. We had just had a baby shower two weeks ago and we lost everything for the baby and the baby is due on the 12th. We worked so hard. I don't know, this is devastating," says Rodgers.

Answering the call to make Las Vegas a better place is Las Vegas local Suzanne Fain.

"Since I'm the owner and director for Volunteer Angels, a charitable organization, I thought well, this is right up my ally," she says.

Her group consists of volunteers who knit and sew blankets, clothes, and other items, then donate them to those who need it most.

"They sit and sew, and knit, and crochet, and they bring all their good to me and they expect me to use them wisely, and I try to do that," says Fain.

Fain has joined the effort to help clothe and give the newborn and his family a second chance at life.

"Although I was saddened by the news I heard today, I thought this is something that the people of this community can help out,' says Fain.

Whether it be one soft blanket or donated money, the call has gone out.

"We need help," says Ziel.

For those who want to help the Red Cross, they are taking much needed donations that will help others in future disasters. You can click here for more information, or you can also help by calling Brooke Flake at 702-369-3674.

And Suzanne Fain at Volunteer Angels says she is still looking to contact the family of that unborn baby, as well as for more knitters and donations. More information on what they need can be found here, or you can email Fain at catfanci@aol.com.