Benefit to Help Ewing Explosion Victims [AUDIO]

It has been more than two weeks since a natural gas explosion in Ewing Township killed one woman, injured seven and leveled 22 townhomes in the South Fork neighborhood. More than 100 residents were impacted by the blast, including many who lost everything they owned.

Residents of the community are holding a fundraiser this Saturday, March 22 at Fisher Middle School in Ewing, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to raise money and bring in other donations for those in need.

"It's critical at this particular point in time to get the entire Mercer County community to come by, make a donation and just expand the awareness of how critical it is to fulfill this particular need for these residents," said Jonathan Savage, who is co-organizing the event. "Folks are just trying to get back to a sense of normalcy, and we'd really like to help them do that."

There will be entertainment throughout the day. Local and regional bands have been invited, along with some special guests. The cost will be $5 per person, but additional donations are welcome.

"We will take any and all donations, but we will take any other items that are being suggested at the township's website, where there is a list of what residents are in need of," Savage said. "Gift cards are always a good option as well."

The goal for Saturday's event is to raise $350,000 to help fulfill the immediate needs.

"We hope that by setting the bar high, our entire community and the entire county will start turning out to help these folks," Savage said. "It is going to be a long stretch, and we'd like to be able to lay a very good foundation to support them over the long haul."

For a list of needed items, visit ewingnj.org.