Full Notification

As you know, Leonia experienced a fire tragedy on Friday morning that has displaced 36 of our neighbors from their homes.  Almost all of their belongings were lost to the flames.

Many Leonians have already donated clothes/shoes to the displaced families. We’ve also distributed thousands of dollars in donated gift cards generously given by Leonians.   In fact, the outpouring of donations was overwhelming and testament to our community’s ability to bond together during times of strife. I am very proud of Leonia’s response to this devastating fire and our ability to come together as a community to help our friends and neighbors.  

At this time, we no longer need additional donations of clothes/shoes.  Please do not bring any more clothes/shoes/or food to the library.  

Financial support for the families who want it is needed however.  The Leonia Community Chest is doing a special fund drive on behalf of the displaced families and you can participate by donating any amount to The Community Chest of Leonia via PayPal or credit card from February 17th to February 28th.  All funds raised will be directed to the 10 families who were victims of the devastating fire on Friday morning.  

To donate, please visit The Leonia Community Chest website at communitychestofleonia.org or send your check to Leonia Community Chest, P.O. Box 68, Leonia, NJ  07605.  Please write “fire families” on the check memo line.  The Community Chest will work cooperatively with the Borough of Leonia to distribute these donations to the families who want to receive them.

Incidents like this can test the mettle of a community.  In Leonia’s case, we met the challenges head on and reinforced, in the process, why we are and remain a special community of friends and neighbors.  Thank you to everyone from our volunteer fire department, governing body members, borough officials and staff, and citizen volunteers who stepped forward to help and continue to make a difference.  The road to recovery for the displaced families will be long, and we are committed to doing what we can to support their journey.  

Bill Ziegler

Leonia Mayor

February 18, 2025