COLLEGE PARK, Fla. – We’re learning more about what’s underway following a crash at a College Park food pantry that sent several people to the hospital on Friday, including its founder.
Orlando firefighters reported that several people were hospitalized after a pickup truck crashed into the One Heart for Women and Children building, a community food pantry off of North Rio Grande Avenue.
Firefighters said five people were evaluated, four of whom were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, including the nonprofit’s founder, Stephanie Bowman.
During the crash, the front door broke and pushed up against the tables in the front room while Bowman and the volunteers were working. She mentioned that the truck hit one of the volunteers directly and confirmed that everyone has since been discharged from the hospital, adding they’re thankful to be alive.
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Talvis Williams, who shops at the nonprofit’s store, expressed that the organization is a pillar in the College Park community and hopes everyone gets back on their feet.
“I want to send all prayers to the victims and anyone who was impacted by it,” he said. “I wish them a speedy recovery. It’s very unfortunate because College Park itself is a very nice, calm, cool area. Very safe place to live in, so it’s actually pretty shocking.”
Bowman initially mentioned Saturday that she couldn’t do an interview because she was checking on the volunteers hospitalized after the crash. In a statement on Facebook, she thanked the community, volunteers, staff, and first responders.
“Myself and the three volunteers were 3 ft from the truck that played accidentally into the front of the building. Watching the video this morning was pretty scary and a reminder that in a heartbeat our stories here on Earth can change,” she said.
Bowman noted that the only injury any of the volunteers suffered was a sprained wrist. She said that their facility would be closed through at least Sunday, but will be back open this week.
A fundraiser is currently being planned to help the organization and people impacted by the crash.
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