AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - It was the first day of classes for thousands of students starting the new semester at UMass Amherst. Among them, many who fell victim to the massive fire that destroyed the Olympia Place apartment building.

It was business as usual for the thousands of people who go to school here. Our crew was around campus today, seeing students go to or come from class, as well as make their away around the Campus Center.

Among them, most of the 230 plus students who were displaced by the massive fire at Olympia Place.

The November 7th incident began at a building under construction right next to the apartment complex, flames eventually made their way to it. The overall situation forcing crews to immediately condemn and tear down the structure. All of those who were living there lost almost everything.

We were unable to speak with any of the affected students. However, we did talk to some students who know some of them. They told us they are doing okay, some of whom did graduate early.

In addition, we were covering the donation effort at the New2U Thrift Store at Hampden Commons. We saw the big donation boxes are still out as the store is still asking for donations for the fire victims.

In addition, New2U had a special event at Hampden Commons. They began a giveaway called after hours to allow those impacted by the fire, as well as anyone else who needs anything, to come by the store.

Store Manager Eva Bergloff told Western Mass News the theme is warm welcome and that there are plenty of free items in stock to help those impacted by the fire and others get through the winter, “3rd response ‘Towels, blankets, clothes, sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, scarves. We have so, so many. And in a couple of months, they’re just going to be taking up space. So we want to make sure people have them while they need them,” Bergloff said.

This happened until 7:00 p.m. Thursday night. Bergloff said the store has been able to help around 100 of those who were affected by the November fire and also said there is still work to do.

As for the after-hours event, she hopes this is a series that can be incorporated more throughout the semester.

UMass Amherst spokesperson Emily Gest released a statement that reads, “We are excited to welcome our students back to campus for the first day of classes for the spring semester. We continue to support students impacted by the fire in early December as they navigate their own unique circumstances and complex needs. UMass is deeply grateful to the entire community on and off campus for their support of our students.”

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