Church helping victims of East Village blast

An East Village church just a few blocks from the site of last week’s explosions wants to help displaced survivors.

The Church of the Nativity is holding a clothing drive for New Yorkers who lost their homes, or have been unable to return to their apartments since last Thursday. Neatly-sorted donations filled the church’s basement social hall, flanked by Easter lilies for Sunday’s service.

Donations have been pouring in at a faster pace than displaced residents can taken them, and faster than volunteers can sort the items, said Adriel Gutierrez, a parishioner and volunteer at the church.

“The fact that it is Holy Week, it could be why so many people are donating clothes, but either way, it’s a great thing,” Gutierrez said.

Linda Ramirez, an assistant teacher at a nearby school, stopped by on her lunch hour to sport donations.

“This church is like a family, when somebody needs something we’re always here for them. And the community, since this happened, is worried for the people,” Ramirez said.

Safrana Musa, who lives in Manchester, England, folded children’s clothing during Wednesday’s drive. Musa said she’s in the U.S. visiting her partner, who grew up attending the church.

“It’s amazing there’s still this kind of community here,” Musa said. “I think it’s really nice that people pull together, it doesn’t matter your race or your religion. I just hope more people come and take advantage of it.”

Victims of the explosion can pick up clothing and other items on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Church of the Nativity, 44 Second Ave.