House & Home
Sat, December 6, 2025
Fri, December 5, 2025
Crisp & Crust Steps In: Pizza Shop Provides Shelter After Westmoreland House Fire
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Published in House and Home on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 18:55 GMT by WGAL- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Community Pizza Shop Steps Up After House Fire, Rallying Local Support for Affected Family
When a devastating house fire erupted on Sunday afternoon in the bustling Westmoreland neighborhood, the quick‑thinking staff at a nearby pizza shop stepped in to offer more than just a warm meal. In a heart‑warming display of community spirit, the team behind “Crisp & Crust” – a locally owned pizzeria that has served the area for over a decade – mobilized volunteers, organized a donation drive, and worked hand‑in‑hand with emergency responders to ensure the family affected by the blaze received the help they needed.
The Fire and Its Immediate Impact
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, the fire department was called to a single‑story brick house on Elm Street. The blaze quickly engulfed the structure, damaging the roof, interior walls, and kitchen. Fortunately, no residents were inside at the time, and the family of three – parents John and Maria, and their nine‑year‑old daughter, Lily – were safely rescued by the volunteer firefighters before the fire spread to neighboring properties. While the house was largely destroyed, the family suffered a significant loss of personal belongings, including family photos, heirlooms, and the contents of a small personal storage unit.
Fire chief David Lopez of the Westmoreland Fire Department reported that “the rapid response and clear communication from neighbors and the community helped keep the situation under control.” He also praised the local businesses that rallied to support the family, stating, “It’s a testament to the spirit of our town that we can come together when the need arises.”
Crisp & Crust’s Swift Response
As soon as the news of the fire reached Crisp & Crust, the staff sprang into action. Owner and chef Marco Rossi, who has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years, said, “It’s in our nature to help our neighbors. We’re right next door, and we can’t just sit on the sidelines.”
Within minutes, Rossi, along with his crew, organized a rapid response: they contacted the family’s emergency contact, arranged safe transportation for them to a nearby community center, and arranged a temporary shelter within the pizzeria’s spacious dining area, complete with blankets, warm drinks, and a quiet space for the family to rest.
“We’ve been in the community for so long, and we’ve seen families go through tough times,” Rossi told the reporters. “When John and Maria were told their home was lost, we felt it was our responsibility to do what we could to help.”
Organizing a Donation Drive
Recognizing that the family would need more than just a temporary shelter, the pizzeria’s team began coordinating a donation drive. The goal was to collect essential items and financial contributions to help rebuild the home and replace lost belongings. Rossi turned to the local community, appealing to both employees and regular customers.
Key elements of the drive included:
Cash Contributions – A donation box was set up in the main dining area, with a flyer explaining that proceeds would go directly to the family’s rebuilding fund, managed through the local charity, Westmoreland Families United (WFU).
Essential Household Items – The pizzeria requested donations of non‑perishable food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items. Employees even brought in spare kitchenware, such as pots, pans, and cutting boards, that had been gently used.
Clothing and Blankets – Staff members donated clean, gently used clothing, as well as blankets and bedding, to help the family keep warm while they await the arrival of a temporary house.
Community Fundraiser – In addition to the donation drive, the team partnered with WFU to host an online fundraiser via GoFundMe, linking it to the pizzeria’s social media pages and website. The fundraiser page highlighted the family’s story, their current needs, and how contributions would be used.
Local Organizations Join Forces
The pizzeria’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Several local organizations, including the Westmoreland Firefighters’ Charitable Trust, the nearby St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Westmoreland County Food Bank, rallied to supply additional resources.
St. Mary’s Pastor, Rev. Angela Martinez, praised the collective action: “When a tragedy strikes, it is our duty as a community to support one another. The quick mobilization by Crisp & Crust showcases how faith and civic responsibility can work together.”
The county food bank coordinated with the pizzeria to deliver a “Pantry Package” to the family, consisting of staples such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and protein options. Meanwhile, the Westmoreland Firefighters’ Trust donated a set of professional fire safety equipment to the family to aid in rebuilding a safer home.
The Family’s Response
John and Maria expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love. “We’re overwhelmed,” Maria said. “The house may be gone, but the people who have shown us that we’re not alone are what keep us going.” John echoed, “We’re so thankful for every donation, every kind word, and especially for the time you spent with us. It made this hard day a bit easier.”
The family has already begun the arduous process of applying for insurance payouts and securing temporary housing, all while the community continues to gather resources. Rossi added, “We’re just the start. The next steps involve a lot more planning, but the foundation is here, thanks to everyone’s support.”
Looking Forward
The swift response from Crisp & Crust and the surrounding community has highlighted how local businesses can serve as catalysts for neighborhood resilience. According to a report by the Westmoreland County Council, incidents of community‑driven recovery have risen by 18% over the past year, with food and beverage establishments playing a significant role.
The pizzeria plans to continue its partnership with WFU, offering ongoing assistance for the family’s rebuilding project. Rossi announced that they will host a “Pizza Night for a Cause” once the family’s temporary shelter is no longer needed, raising further funds for the family and future disaster relief efforts.
In the words of chief Lopez, “This event underscores the power of neighbors standing together. Whether it’s a house fire or another emergency, we’ll keep coming together. That’s what makes Westmoreland strong.”
Through quick action, heartfelt generosity, and a shared commitment to community well‑being, Crisp & Crust turned a moment of crisis into a testament to the power of local solidarity. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder that when people unite, even the most devastating challenges can be met with compassion, support, and collective resolve.
Read the Full WGAL Article at:
[ https://www.wgal.com/article/staff-nearby-pizza-shop-respond-house-fire-collecting-donations-affected/69648147 ]
