WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Last week, flames tore through the B'nai B'rith Senior Apartments in Wilkes-Barre, forcing hundreds of residents out and injuring some.
Things are starting to get back to normal with residents returning to their apartments this week, but there are still some signs of a fire.
The United Way of Wyoming Valley put out a call for volunteers to help residents in about 40 apartments get a clean start.
"We were able to go in and do some walls, windows, floors, but some of it is more extensive, depending on where in proximity to the fire they were," said Megan Valkenburg, community engagement manager for the United Way of Wyoming Valley.
"We can give them more peace of mind," said volunteer Carmen Bland. "We want to at least help them get past what happened to them and just help them feel a bit more capable in their own space."
Newswatch 16 spoke to some residents who said this extra help was a pleasant surprise, especially for some of those who aren't able to do the work themselves.
"It's wonderful," said resident Leonard Font. "For them to give their time up to help us."
"I can't do the sweeper anymore. And I am mostly in this chair a lot. It is what it is," resident Martha Boyle said.
Both residents and volunteers realized this was also more than just helping out a neighbor in need after a disaster.
"Once we got into conversation with her, we realized that just our presence in talking to her made her feel like a lot more loved," volunteer Lala Traore said.
Volunteers will continue cleanup efforts through the weekend.