Local Ministry Helping Victims of Apartment Fire

A local ministry in Marshall County has been helping the victims of Wednesday's fire at the Allendale Apartments, and is inviting the community to help, too.

Michelle Garland from God's Promises Ministries told West Kentucky Star that they reached out to management of the apartments so those affected would know they were willing to help provide clothing or whatever else is needed.

Garland said, "A lot of them had family that they could go to, but some of them didn't, so there's four different groups that are actually staying in a hotel right now because they had nowhere to go. So we've been checking on them every day and making sure that they've got meals provided for, and they've got clothing and toiletries that they need, or what-not."  

She said God's Promises has also teamed up with the Benton Drive-in restaurant for a fundraiser. It's Sunday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 26 beginning at 7 am. The drive-in will serve breakfast platters for $5, with all proceeds going to help the victims through God's Promises. The meal includes biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon and a drink. Any fire victims who come to the meal will eat free.

God's Promises Ministry is located at 1301 Main Street in Benton, and is a project of the World Missions and Evangelism non-profit organization. 

Garland said their ministry has been open for less than a year, and is "the community helping the community." She said they offer clothing, housewares, food, toys, school supplies, and more. They accept donated items from anyone and distribute them to those in need.

A fire on Wednesday destroyed the apartments in Benton on Wednesday, but all 15 people who were there managed to escape. Officials say the building is a total loss and the cause of the blaze is being investigated.