Racine firefighters collect school supplies for Mitchell students



RACINE (WITI) -- Racine firefighters are working to assist Mitchell School students after a fire gutted parts of the school last week.

Fire crews arrived on scene early Thursday morning, February 27th. Crews began an interior attack on the flames, but the roof collapsed -- and fire crews had to evacuate.

The fire was brought under control around 4:30 a.m.

The fire was contained mostly to the school's gymnasium.

Racine Fire Chief Steve Hansen says this fire drew a city-wide response -- with all resources in the city committed to fighting this fire.

Now, firefighters are stepping up again, to help the students and teachers affected by this fire.

Firefighters say there is smoke and water damage to the building -- and school supplies and gym clothing were lost.

"I kinda like, wanted to cry. I left all my folders, notebooks that I need in my locker," seventh-grader, Elise Garcia said.

In order to help the students and teachers affected to get back on their feet as soon as possible, Racine firefighters are collecting essential school supplies, and are seeking donations of items like: pens, pencils, markers, colored pencils, backpacks, notebooks and folders, notebook binders and loose leaf paper for the binders, copy paper for duplicating assignments, construction paper, scissors and glue, bulletin board paper, easel sized Post-It notes, student athletic uniforms, and gift cards for classroom supplies.

"If you need it for school, that's what they need, because they lost it all," Racine firefighter Tim O'Brien said.

All Racine fire stations have been designated as collection points for these supplies. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:


    Jeanie Eyman and her daughter made a donation on Sunday, March 2nd.

    "We went over to the Dollar Store and she picked out what she thought the class needed. These kids are gonna have a hard time, but we're gonna do whatever we can to help make it a little easier," Eyman said.

    Meanwhile, a plan has been put in place in terms of getting the students and teachers affected by this fire back in the classroom.

    Elementary students will resume class on March 5th. Middle school students are set to return March 18th.

    Elementary students will return to class at Wind Point Elementary on the city’s north side. The school had been closed and is being fixed up to accommodate students once again.

    Middle school students will return to Mitchell.

    Those looking to make a monetary donation to benefit Mitchell School can make checks payable to "Mitchell School PTA" with "Fire Fund" on the memo line.

    Checks can be sent to:

    Teresa Miranda

    VP Mitchell Elementary PTA

    2900 Dwight Street

    Racine, WI 53403

    Related stories: