To the Editor:

On June 15, my wife and I saw the smoke from all the way down in Hingham where we were driving. It was from the nine-alarm fire that damaged seven homes on Old Morton Street in Lower Mills. Two firefighters and two residents were hurt at the scene.Damage to property will likely be in the millions. We thank our firefighters, EMTs, and concerned citizens who helped immediately for their bravery.

Would you be surprised to learn that Dorchester and Mattapan neighbors and small businesses have responded with many donations for the suddenly homeless families of Old Morton St.? They have. A Go-Fund-Me page has raised over $20,000. On Sat., July 27, a fundraiser for the families was held at St. Gregory’s Hall and was organized by the Lower Mills Civic Association and others. Terry Dolan spearheaded the whole thing, so we want to acknowledge her and all her volunteer helpers. There was a spread of pasta, meatballs, chicken tenders, cold cuts, sliders, etc. donated by the Lower Mills Tavern, Pat’s Pizza and ice cream sundaes donated by the Ice Creamsmith. Other donations were made by St Gregory’s Church, Cedar Grove Gardens, City of Boston Credit Union, Senator Nick Collins, Dolan Funeral Home, Dorchester Reporter, Gibson Sotheby Realty, Pat’s Pizza, Castlemaine, Cleary Elevator, East Boston Savings, Neponset Realty, Denis Keohane, Carney Hospital, XFinity and many, many more neighbors, supporters and friends. Thanks to them all.

- Lew Finfer, Dorchester