ORANGE — Candles were lit and prayers said for the two young girls, Victoria Gaignard, 8, and Leena Ciolino, 6, who died in a house fire last Saturday.
A somber, hushed crowd of at least a few hundred people attended a vigil in Veterans Memorial Park, organized by the Salvation Army Corps of Athol.
“This is a little overwhelming, in a good way,” said Salvation Army Lt. Michael Buzzard, as he watched the crowd gather. “We planned for between 300 to 400 people, based on social media,” he said. “We’ve had dozens of volunteers, including the police department and the town of Orange.”
“This is more about helping the community,” added Buzzard. “We have a history of doing this for over 100 years.”
Some children decorated paper bags that were to become luminaries placed around the memorial statue. Others lined up to write prayer requests on prayer cards, or to get a hot beverage. Candles, baked goods, bottled water, hot chocolates and even cups and plates were donated by local businesses, including Wal-Mart and Hannaford Supermarket.
Salvation Army volunteers offered stuffed animal toys to children who wanted them. And another volunteer in the crowd brought live “therapy bunnies” to the vigil, to let children and other vigil-goers hold the cuddly 2½-week old rabbits and their mom.
The girls who died Saturday in the fire were first- and second-graders at Fisher Hill School, so the man with the rabbits brought them to the school on Monday. “With the obvious sadness that was going around the school, anything that makes children smile is a good thing,” he said. He declined to give his name.
“I’m sorry, I’m not here for the attention,” he explained. “The attention should go where it’s needed.”
Many young children were in the crowd, and some cried while prayers were said for Ciolino and Gaignard.
“I thank everybody for coming out,” said Buzzard, “and let’s pray that we never, ever, ever have to do this again.”
“Amen!” the crowd replied.
“I ask you to think of the girls and I ask you to think of each other, grab a hand, hug somebody as we go through prayer,” said Buzzard. He gave prayers of comfort to the crowds and to the emergency responders who battled the two-story Mechanic Street fire.
“Everything that needs to be said has been said tonight,” state Rep. Susannah Whipps-Lee remarked. “The work that our service personnel do is outstanding. I just want to say thank you to our men and women who rush toward danger. I lived in the area my entire life and I’ve never seen people come together more when something’s needed. God bless you all and God bless our emergency responders.”
When asked if the families of the two girls were expected to come to the vigil, Buzzard said he didn’t know. Leena’s father, Vinnie Ciolino, had been hospitalized with burns after trying to reach the girls, who were trapped on the second floor.
“We have offered our services to the families and let them know, if it’s needed, we will be there to help,” he said. “A lot of times, disaster assistance doesn’t stop with the disaster.”
Buzzard prayed for God to comfort the mourners. “As we gather here together, show compassion and comfort to each other,” he said. “We’re here for one reason, to lift each other up.”
You can reach Diane Broncaccio at:
dbroncaccio@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 277