Clinton Rallies Together After Downtown Fire
In the heart of Clinton, South Carolina, the community is coming together in an incredible show of support following a devastating fire that affected four local businesses in the downtown area. The fire, which reportedly began at the back of House of Pizza, has left both residents and entrepreneurs grappling with the aftermath. But through this adversity, the spirit of the town is shining bright.
Shirts for a Cause
One local business, Sunshine City, has decided to take action to help those impacted by the flames. They are selling a range of stylish shirts and sweatshirts that proudly display the slogan, “Clinton Strong — Out of the hottest fire comes the strongest steel.” The owner, Ashley Martin, expressed her desire to contribute meaningfully to the recovery efforts, stating, “When everything started to burn, we were just like, ‘What could we do?’”
Fortunately for Martin, her business managed to escape the destruction, allowing her to focus on how best to assist those who weren’t so lucky. The shirts and sweatshirts are already making a difference, with all proceeds being donated to the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We’re super excited to say we’ve already surpassed our initial goal of raising $3,000,” Martin noted with enthusiasm.
The Investigation Continues
On Wednesday afternoon, fire investigators were seen assessing the damage around the affected businesses. According to the fire marshal, Donya Langston, while the investigation is ongoing, they have already narrowed down the fire’s point of origin to an area near the stairs on the deck of House of Pizza. She remarked, “We do know about where the origin of the fire is,” emphasizing the complexity of the situation as they work to determine the cause.
As the investigation wraps up, plans for cleanup and rebuilding will be underway. Clinton’s Mayor, Randy Randall, reflected on the shock the community feels, noting, “When you lose four or five businesses all at once like that, it’s really a shock for everybody.” However, he remains optimistic about Clinton’s ability to recover, citing the resilience and camaraderie of its residents. “Our folks always come together,” Randall proudly stated. “No matter what’s going on, people help.”
Get Involved!
If you’d like to show your support for the local businesses and contribute to the recovery efforts, Sunshine City is taking orders for their shirts and sweatshirts until September 13. You can place an order through their website, Facebook page, or by visiting the store directly. Every piece sold is not just a shirt, but a beacon of hope for those affected by this tragic incident.
The Spirit of Clinton
The fire may have left its mark, but it certainly hasn’t extinguished the spirit of this tight-knit community. With leaders like Ashley Martin stepping up, the future looks hopeful for the businesses and families affected by this fire. As Clinton rallies together, one thing is for sure: they will emerge stronger than ever.
