Fire devastates Help of Fort Meade thrift store

FORT MEADE (FOX 13) - An organization that has helped people in the Bay Area for more than 60 years now needs help itself.

Overnight Wednesday, fire tore through the thrift store of Help of Fort Meade.

"When I showed up on scene this morning, I thought, 'wait! This is not just a fire, it is a devastation,'" Board President Mike Woods said.

All that is left of the building is charred remains.

The thrift store brings in at least $60,000 a year. The money funds dozens of programs that helps thousands of people out of tough spots.

Help of Fort Meade provides food, clothing, rental and mortgage assistance. It also provides tutoring, job training and more.

"Not only did we lose, but the community is at a loss,' said Aisha Wright, the organization's executive director.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. However, investigators have determined that the fire started in the back of the building.

Local leaders are looking for a new space for thrift store and hoping that people donate items to be sold in it.