Community comes together to help Pine Ridge residents

 Pine Ridge Apartments entrance. (WLUC photo)
Pine Ridge Apartments entrance. (WLUC photo) (WLUC)
Published: Aug. 5, 2019 at 4:44 PM EDT
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The unfortunate fire situation at Pine Ridge Apartments in Marquette has inspired many people to help.

"I heard that there was a fire, and after I did some research I found out that 140 different apartments were affected by it,” said Chris Gonyou, a Negaunee resident.

Due to this, Gonyou went out of his way to give back the best way he knew how.

"I saw on the news that they were looking for donations in the form of gift certificates [cards] donated to the Lake Superior Village, and I thought that I'd made a donation,” he explained.

Gonyou donated $20 on each Marquette Food Co-op or Econofoods gift card which equaled $700 in total.

"I have the means to do it, so I thought that I would make a donation and help people out,” he said.

Gonyou says he's glad to do this for his community.

"At one point, I needed a lot of help in the community and people definitely stepped up to help me and it's nice to be able to finally give back,” he explained.

Gonyou hopes other people will feel motivated to do the same.

"If you can give anything, even a donation, or a hand to somebody who may need it right now, it makes you feel better doing it and it doesn't take much time or effort.”

Meanwhile, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are continuing their efforts of helping people at Lakeview Arena.

They aren't sure when they will be able to return, but will continue serving those who need it.

"The apartment complex houses many residents who attend our lunch and pantry programs," said Salvation Army Auxiliary Captain, Doug Winters. "We want to do all we can to help those who need it."

In the meantime, anyone who would like to donate is asked to send food gift card donations to Lake Superior Village in Marquette between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.