One Resident Takes Initiative as Corry Rallies to Support Families After Hensa Fire

In the aftermath of the fire that destroyed the Hensa Stamping manufacturing facility in downtown Corry, one local resident turned concern into action — and in doing so, sparked a community-wide response.

Corry resident Tami Trisket organized an ongoing donation drive to support employees and families affected by the Jan. 21 fire, which leveled the shop at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and East Washington Street, leaving many families suddenly without income.

Trisket said the effort began with a personal connection. The night of the fire, she saw the emotional toll it took on a local fitness instructor whose household relies on Hensa for employment and is raising several children, without nearby family support.

“She was devastated and scared,” Trisket said. “They moved here for his job and have six children to feed.”

In the days immediately following the fire, Trisket looked for ways the community could help. While food and pet supply efforts were underway, she noticed a gap when it came to everyday household needs.

“There was nothing along the lines of helping with home expenses and basic necessities,” she said. “When I realized that, I knew something more was needed.”

That realization led Trisket to act. Within a short period of time, multiple churches, local organizations, and businesses agreed to serve as drop-off locations. Volunteers stepped up to staff collection sites, and donation events quickly filled with community support.

“The town just jumped into action,” Trisket said. “Once this started, the response was immediate.”

According to Trisket, the Corry Chamber of Commerce and Corry Higher Education Council offered their facility as a drop-off location. The Faith Church, Corry First Church, the Station and the Ladies of West Spring Creek Church also offered to help.

The donation drive focuses on practical household essentials such as hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food items — items that allow families to redirect limited funds toward rent, utilities, and other critical expenses.

“Having toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, shampoo, toothpaste — those things make a real difference,” Trisket explained. “If families don’t have to spend money on those basics, they can use what they do have to stay afloat.”

In addition to donated items, financial contributions from local church groups will help address specific family needs.

“I’ll be able to make sure each family gets what they need most,” Trisket said.

While several drop-off events were held in late January, Trisket emphasized that the effort is ongoing, with February collection dates still ahead at multiple locations throughout Corry.

“I was worried at first that it didn’t seem like the community was stepping up,” she said. “But I truly believe Corry knows how to help — people just weren’t sure how to support so many families at once. As soon as there was a clear way to help, they showed up.”

Drop-off locations will continue accepting donations through early February, including collection dates at the Corry Chamber of Commerce and The Station. Community members are encouraged to contribute household essentials and non-perishable food items to support families impacted by the Hensa fire.

“In the world we live in today, it makes my heart smile to see this community come together,” Trisket said. “God put these families on my heart, and I just jumped in — and the community followed.”

HOW TO HELP: HENSA FIRE RELIEF DONATION DRIVE

Donations are still being accepted in early February to support families and employees affected by the Jan. 21 fire that destroyed the Hensa Stamping facility in downtown Corry.

The donation effort is focused on everyday household essentials, allowing affected families to stretch limited funds while waiting for unemployment benefits or securing new work.

Most-Needed Items Include:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body wash
• Toothpaste & deodorant
• Garbage bags
• Cleaning supplies
• Non-perishable food items

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS & TIMES

Corry Chamber of Commerce
The Higher Ed Building
221 N. Center Street
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📅 February 2 – February 6

The Station
16 S. Center Street

• 📅 February 2 & February 6
  🕚 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• 📅 February 3 & February 5
  🕘 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.