Dennis M. Robinson, Jr., president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, released the following statement thanking community members who donated gift cards to victims of two major Perry Hall fires since August.

The recent efforts to collect gift cards provided additional support for something many of us already knew—that Perry Hall residents genuinely care about their neighbors and their community.

Over the past few months, two condominium complexes sustained major fire damage. In August, a fire destroyed several units at the Chapel Villages condominiums. In November, a fire destroyed many more condominium units on Haven Farm Road in the Perry Hall Farms community. As a result of these fires, our neighbors were displaced from their homes and lost many of their possessions.

The Perry Hall community has a long history of helping neighbors in need, and I knew this time would be no exception. Each time we publicized our efforts to collect gift cards to assist our neighbors in need, the community stepped up. Based on the feedback I have received, I can assure those who contributed that the residents of the affected condominium complexes appreciated the outpouring of support from the community.

On behalf of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, I thank everyone who contributed to this worthwhile effort. I also thank Chris Defeo, a Perry Hall Improvement Association board member who coordinated the collection and distribution of gift cards. Thanks to the generosity of many people who contributed, residents affected by these fires were reminded that they have neighbors who care.

How did the recent fires impact you? Tell us in the comments.