Edgewater—The empty Sleepy’s store at City Place is a donation and relief center for the families who lost their homes in the inferno at the Avalon Bay apartment complex in Edgewater last week.

Michael McPartland, the town’s mayor told NorthJersey.com that the center has been “inundated with support,” and urged donors to give online to crowdfunding websites set up by the borough and the Board of Education and other departments. The GoFundMe campaign started by the borough raised $40,000 in a matter of hours, said McPartland, adding that the apartment complex owners contributed to the campaign.

The donation center at City Place last Thursday at noon and was filled to capacity by 5:30. There were more donations piled at the door by Friday morning. Organizers said that there was more than enough clothing, and that personal care items like eyeglasses and gift cards, so that people could purchase what they need, would be very welcome.

The report also said that the center is seeking volunteers to staff it. It is open 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day, except Sunday, when it will open at 11 a.m.

www.EdgewaterStrong.com, created by Edgewater’s own DXagency and the Edgewater Education Foundation, raised more than $24,000 in 24 hours. The site also will open an online store to sell T-shirts, with all proceeds benefiting the displaced families.