HOOVER – A fire at an apartment complex claimed the homes of 11 Riverchase Elementary School students from nine families.

Other RES families and concerned community members then stepped up to help meet the victims’ immediate needs.

Hoover Fire Department firefighters battled the blaze at the Riverchase Landing Apartment Homes complex off Riverhaven Lane the night of Jan. 20.

Part of the building suffered heavy fire damage with some units also receiving smoke damage.

Hatching Hope, American Red Cross, Church of the Highlands and apartment complex management were all on the scene to help those who were affected.

There were no reported injuries to residents or firefighters, but many people were still greatly affected by the incident.

“The faculty and staff have risen to the occasion and collected many items,” read a post on the Riverchase Elementary School Facebook page the day after the incident. “There has been an outpouring of willingness to help today from the Hoover community at large. A sincere thank you to all who are thinking of these families.”

After RES Principal Alice Turney conducted a needs assessment, information was shared with the school community about how they could continue to help.

Donations to assist families can be made through the Hoover City Schools MySchoolFees program.

Financial support is being used to cover immediate basic needs, additional living expenses, assist with moving, expenses related to fire/smoke damage, furniture, utility fees, gift cards, and household and personal items.

A school-based committee was formed to determine allocations of donations based on needs.

Donations were also accepted via cash or money order made out to Riverchase Elementary clearly marked as a donation.

Also, Hoover Helps and Neighborhood Bridges were coordinating relief at HooverHelps.org and NeighborhoodBridges.org.