Over the evening, a fire broke out in a row of apartments on Bloomfield Avenue in the Central Ward. Fortunately, everyone escaped from the fire safely. However, families have lost all their possessions in the fire.

We are helping to get the word out to everyone who wants to assist these families in getting back on their feet.

Two of the victims are children, ages 5 and 8, who attend the McKinley School. The 5 year old wears 5-6 clothing and is a size 1 shoe size. The 8 year old is a size 18-20 and shoe size of 4.

Anything you can give to help the family is greatly appreciated.

Please deliver items to McKinley School, 1 Colonnade Place, Newark, during school hours.

If you have any questions, please call Principal Carolyn Granato at 973-268-5270.

You can also donate non-perishable foods, usable clothing or furniture that is in good shape at Paquito's, 879 Broadway, Newark, N.J., beginning Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 8 a.m.

For more information about the fire, watch CBS2News.

Our city has so many residents who liven up their streets and neighborhoods by decorating their homes for the holidays.

If you think your home is one of Newark's best decorated, I encourage you to submit a photo by 8 p.m. on Friday, December 19.

Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. is proposing legislation that would regulate convenience stores and reduce the number of hours they are allowed to operate.

The proposal, which was adopted on first reading at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, calls for convenience stores to register with the Newark Police Department. It also would prohibit convenience stores from staying open 24 hours a day unless they meet certain criteria.