POST FALLS - Community to the rescue.

Several businesses, churches and individuals on Thursday rallied to support victims of Wednesday's fire at the Falls Park Apartments.

And the help is being funneled through the nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul, where tax-deductible donations of money, clothing, furniture and toiletries can be made.

Donations can be dropped off or sent to St. Vincent's locations at 201 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls, 83854, and at 201 E. Harrison Ave., Coeur d'Alene, 83814.

Donations should be designated to the Falls Park Apartment fire victims.

"We're more than willing to help victims of the fire," said Matt Hutchinson, St. Vincent's social services director.

Fall/winter clothing donations are preferred, Hutchinson said.

Most of the affected residents don't have renters insurance to cover their belongings. Three units were destroyed, while nine others in the 24-unit building were damaged by water, smoke or fire.

Tom Lassan of ServPro, a disaster restoration firm, said when he went to the apartments on Wednesday to assist one of the residents who had insurance, he decided to take action to help the residents.

"When I went there, it broke my heart," Lassan said. "People were in shock. Being a Christian, it's the right thing to do and that's what the community is supposed to do."

No one was injured during the blaze blamed on a cigarette, but several residents were displaced.

Lassan and Tavis Throm of State Farm Insurance went to the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce on Thursday and businesses to see what could be done.

"After hearing that only one of the families affected by this disaster had renters insurance, we jumped right on board to assist and get the word out," said Jame Davis, the chamber's vice president of marketing and tourism.

"Our hearts go out to them and we want to be able to get them back on their feet. It is times like this that I am reminded of why I love this city, and the people of Post Falls. These families have nothing, and we want to remedy that."

Help started to flow in on Thursday as some items were donated, but more donations of all types are needed, Lassan said.

How to help

n Donations for victims of the Falls Park Apartments fire can be dropped off or sent to St. Vincent's locations at 201 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls, 83854, and at 201 E. Harrison Ave., Coeur d'Alene, 83814.