Photo: Kate Bouey

People have been dropping off soft donations for the victims of the Arbor Lee apartment fire.

Organizers of a fundraiser for victims of the Arbor Lee apartment fire on July 10th are hoping more people show up this afternoon to contribute.

The group has put together a silent auction that it was hoped would raise some cash for 12 of the 13 families who lost their homes when fire tore across the roof of the building causing widespread damage. Some did not have insurance.

"It's disheartening," admitted one organizer, pointing out the few bids that had been made for the auction items.

The effort is taking place until 2 p.m. at the Best Western Pacific Inn, 4790 34th Street in Vernon.

There has been a stream of people dropping off donations of clothing and soft items, such as towels and blankets, but organizers fear it won't be enough for the 12 families in need.

"It's very emotional," said one woman whose daughter lost all of her possessions in the fire. "No one has a backup place to live."

The victims of the fire will meet at the hotel  at 3 p.m. when cash and other donations are to be handed out.

People donating larger items can do so on the Arbor Lee fire donations Facebook page.