When Troy Harris' wife called him last Tuesday afternoon, it was not to see how his day was going -- it was to inform him that his apartment had burned down.
When Harris, an Aramark dining staff employee at Hillel, returned from work that day, all that was left in his apartment were his refrigerator, freezer and television set.
Everything else, from clothes to furniture, was destroyed.
Luckily for Harris, the Penn community has been there to assist him.
When Harris returned to work at Steinhardt Hall last Saturday, he was greeted by the Hillel community, who collected money and clothing for him and his family.
Several other organizations have also been aiding the Harris family. The American Red Cross helped them find shelter and food. Aramark employees collected clothes and money for Harris' family, and the company is also paying for the Harris children's food and clothes for the holidays.
The children's school prepared Thanksgiving baskets.
Hillel President Jenna Statfeld said that Hillel members have begun donating toys and coloring books.
"People feel very close to the dining employees at Hillel," said Statfeld, a College senior.
The Harris family lacks fire insurance and is facing a possible lawsuit for property damage because they did not own much of what was destroyed. Harris, whose family was relocated into a different apartment, has been trying to collect enough money to move out of the South Philadelphia Wilson Park Housing Projects. Harris had been living in the apartment for four years.
"I just want to get my life back together," Harris said. "My wife, kids and I want to at least accomplish what we had before. We worked so hard for it."
College junior Tina Yaniv, who helped organize the effort to support Harris, said that Hillel's effort "was a response to people wanting to give. The community really cared about supporting him through this time."
Law student Michael Buchman took the lead in writing a letter to Aramark expressing the community's concern for Harris and encouraging Aramark's continued support.
The company gave Harris paid time off to deal with the situation.
"Hillel was a real help -- the staff and the students," Harris said. "The clothing and money [are] helping me get through the holidays."
Members of the Hillel steering committee would not disclose the amount of money or clothes collected.
"I am hoping to get through the rest without a lawsuit," Harris said. "I just lost everything. I am trying to get my life back together."
