An Akron church will collect donations to support a 12-year-old girl who survived a house fire that claimed her family early Saturday morning.
Akron Public Schools has announced that Celebration Church on Dan Street will take up donations for Shaniya Wallis. The church has set up a “Shaniya Fund” to pay for medical bills and the family’s funeral arrangements.
The Tallmadge Avenue fire started shortly after midnight Friday across the street from Jennings Community Learning Center. The tragedy has hit hard the Akron Public Schools family. Taken in the flames were Aniyla Riley of Forest Hill elementary and her younger sister Shanice Riley, who went to Seiberling elementary. Shaniya, the eldest daughter, attends Hyre Middle School.
Those wishing to donate to help Shaniya may do so at ccakron.org. The church also is collecting cards for Shaniya, which can be sent to 688 Dan St., Akron OH 44130.
Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @ABJDoug .