Eleven families, including children, were left homeless after the Feb. 21 fire at the Park Village apartment complex on East Main Street, according to Darice Aubuchon of the American Red Cross.

“We were able to get them set up locally and with family,” she told Westborough Patch. “We take care of their immediate and urgent needs. Once that happens, we then refer them to agencies that can help them.”

She said that the American Red Cross does not accept clothing donations, instead encouraging monetary donations. Money will be used to provide debit cards for the families.

“We want to empower them, to give control back into their lives,” Aubuchon said. “They have lost all control of everything, and providing them with debit cards allows them to make choices.”

Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to send it to:

                    American Red Cross

                    2000 Century Dr.

                    Worcester, MA  01606

Aubuchon suggested marking checks with “Disaster Relief.” Donations are tax deductable.