When 48-50 Wolcott Street went up in flames early Wednesday morning, three people were trapped upstairs on the third floor. Eight-year-old Quayshaun Roberson, his mother Wanda Roberson and a cousin Jaqueeta Roberson all died in the fire.
One of their relatives is a member of the Core Rydaz Bike Club. It was that club and a woman named Lady V who held a fundraiser for the victims and their families on Saturday.
"I called my members and I said corps, we need to get out there. We need to go and we need to start something," said Lady V of New Haven.
That turned into an all day vigil outside of the fire scene on Saturday and it also became the place to collect clothing, shoes, furniture and other donations for the family.
Loretta Parker an aunt to one of the survivors told NBC Connecticut that being able to lean on others is what is helping her family get by.
"We don't have the strength to think about something. No clothes, and nowhere to go, and no this and that. It's a big help. It's a great big help, " said Parker.
According to the victims' cousin Terry Payne who is also a member of the Core Rydaz Bike Club, the family received so many items of clothing from Saturday's fundraiser that they will be able to split the items with another family who lived in the Wolcott Street apartment and were also affected by the blaze.
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On Friday night three thousand dollars was collected as a donation that will help pay for funeral costs and assist the family in finding a place to live.
An official release was sent out on Friday with the identities of the three victims who were killed in the fire. The FBI is also investigating.
Monetary donations can be sent to 62 Treat Street Apt 214, West Haven, CT 06516. Checks and money orders should be made out to Terry Payne, the victims' cousin.
The investigation is still ongoing and any information regarding the fire can be called in to 203-946-6304.
All tips will remain anonymous.
