While most Westbury residents were busily taking care of last minute details relating to Valentine's Day, volunteers at the Westbury Neighborhood House were opening that facility's door to help further assist the victims of the recent apartment fire here which left several families homeless.

In all, 40 people were left homeless by the blaze, which gutted an apartment building at 214 Linden Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 31. Since that time, many of the homeless have gone to stay with relatives and friends, but a small number are still in need of assistance.

Last week, The Westbury Times reported on the American Red Cross' continuing efforts on the victim's behalf.

This past Saturday, several local organizations and the Village of Westbury through the efforts of Village Clerk Bill Malone, also became more deeply involved in the assistance effort.

"What we did on Saturday morning is open the Westbury Neighborhood House in order to distribute donated clothing to the victims of the fire," said Ruth Pelligrino, executive director of the Neighborhood House.

"In addition to what we're doing, the Red Cross is coordinating an effort to find these people housing, and the St. Brigid's Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church are distributing food to the fire victims."

Mrs. Pelligrino said the Neighborhood House's efforts on the fire victim's behalf will be ongoing.