Wounded fire victim Harris Murphy explaining to ULAA National President Kesselly how the fire started and unsuccessful attempts made to escape with other victims. Kesselly was among the first of community leaders to arrive on the scene.

The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, ULAA, has received with profound regrets news of a house fire in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which claimed the lives of five (5) Liberians and two (2) of their Ivorian family members and led to the injury and displacement of several others. In the wake of the tragedy exacted on the Liberian families, National President Anthony Kesselly, Local Chapter President of the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania, LAP, Inc., Honorable J. Shiwoh Kamara, and other community activists, civic organizations and  the clergy have remained in close contact with the affected  families.

In a bid to coordinate relief efforts, the community leaders have moved to constitute three committees. The Committees constituted are: Social Services Committee, headed by Clergyman Reverend John K. Jallah, Finance Committee, led by LAP Vice President Dahn Dennis; and Program Planning Committee, headed by leading Philadelphia community activist Joetta Dweh.
 In a move to orderly mobilize the needed disaster relief financial resources, LAP has opened an Emergency Disaster Relief Account at the WACHOVIA Bank.  The account number is 2000037910705. The Account is in the name of the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP) Inc., with its address as 1155 S. 54th Street, Philadelphia, PA  19143.  In the memo portion or checks and money orders, please write “Fire Victims.” 
 

Meanwhile President Kesselly wishes to express his gratitude for the outpouring of requests to help from ULAA Chapters. Accordingly, President Kesselly wishes to advise that all contributions from ULAA chapters be made directly into the account established by LAP and that documentation of said be provided to the office of the National Treasurer Emmanuel Togba, who is also on the LAP Disaster Relief Finance Committee.

 Additionally, President Kesselly wishes to implore the generosity of fellow Liberians to help assuage the agony of the afflicted families by reaching out in these times of distress. 

 
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
Isaac S. Zawolo, Jr. National General Secretary
source: Liberian Media & Advertising Svcs.