In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 17 a fire at Scenic Rivers Industries – Dent County Sheltered Workshop was ablaze.
A captain of the Dent County Fire Protection District said the fire started around 3 a.m.
Units from Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District, Rolla Rural, Rolla City, St. James, Salem, Licking, Lenox, Houston, Steelville, Raymondville, Jadwin, and Montauk Rural Fire Department were all on scene, according to DRFPD.
The workshop is home to around 30 employees and managers who recycle cardboard, newspaper, office paper, and more. In addition, the employees build birdhouses, complete a variety of tasks for larger corporations including assembly work, and mowing for over 150 area apartments and homes.
The sheltered workshop is for people within the community with disabilities. It provides dignified work and teaches essential work habits as well as helping them participate as members within their community.
Statement from DCDDB:
"We are deeply saddened by the fire that occurred at the sheltered workshop facility owned by the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board. Our thoughts are with the employees and participants of the workshop during this difficult time. We are incredibly grateful to the first responders and area agencies for their swift action, and to the community for their outpouring of support. While we do not oversee the day-to-day operations of the sheltered workshop, we remain fully committed to standing by them during this challenging time."
FOOD DRIVE - the Salem Chamber of Commerce is accepting food items that are shelf-stable, toiletries/hygiene, and gift cards for the employees of Scenic Rivers Industries. 32 certified disabled employees are out of work and will need assistance with their basic daily needs. Please call 573-729-6900 or 573-247-3571 for any questions.
Make a monetary donation to the workshop via PayPal - Salem Area Community Betterment Association is assisting with accepting donations.
You can also drop by The Bank of Salem and donate to the Scenic Rivers Industries - Fire account, locally.
More information will be available on the next steps as the SRI board works toward a plan.
Toy Drive
The Dent County Toy Drive had over 130 kids’ Christmas presents organized in the workshop for distribution Friday. The amount of loss is estimated around $13,000.
Update 3:20 pm Dec. 17 - The toy drive organizers have shared that they are completely overwhelmed with the support and toys that have been donated. They are organizing and working on the distribution list as of Tuesday afternoon.
If you have already collected, or purchased toys, please drop them off. Further information on what is needed will be shared after the volunteers have organized the generous donations. The room is almost to capacity.
“So many people are reaching out to help after the devastating fire. Monetary donations can be directed to The Bank of Salem. Toys can be donated to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 1136 South Main, Salem,” the drive shared in a social media post.
“What was lost? Toys for about 130 kids. They were loaded up to take this week to distribute. Those toys make up about $13,000, but taking into account we buy so much on clearance, bulk, etc. - it’s going to take more to replace.”
The pickup, originally scheduled for Friday, has been moved to Monday, Dec. 23 to allow more time for toys and goods to be organized after the multitude of donations.
“Please pray for those involved. The fire department and Scenic Rivers Industries. The people there lost more than just their job. Many of them will be unable to work anywhere else. They are a family,” continued the post.
Always rallying as a community to help those in need - several others began sharing plans to donate and keep Christmas for the children and families who depend on the drive:
“The recent loss experienced by The Sheltered Workshop is a profound tragedy, highlighting a significant need within our community. In times like these, Dent County consistently demonstrates its unwavering support for our town. Together, let us aim to replace not only what has been lost, but to exceed their previous collections. Thank you for your generosity and support. Our hearts are with The Sheltered Workshop and the Dent County Toy Drive,” said a post by Discount Bins, who received dozens of donations.
• Custard by C Sue set up three points to donate: Houston: OSI- Sheltered Workshop (Sharon Tyger); Rolla: Realty Executives across from Applebees (Tara Peters); and Salem: Custard by C-Sue.
• VIP Properties challenged local real estate companies to donate $500 each to help the cause.
• The Salvation Army Angel Tree donations are safe. Your generosity means so much, and every little bit helps ensure we can bring joy to the children who need us this season. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and kindness during this difficult time, said Sherry Lea. For questions, please call 729-8163.
This story will be updated with information on the fire and how people can help with the toy drive. To submit information pertaining to the toy drive or sheltered workshop email catherine@thesalemnewsonline.com.
