Collection drive organized for surviving daughters of NJ house collapse

HAMILTON, N.J. (WTXF) - A New Jersey community is rallying around the surviving daughters of a family whose Mercer County home collapsed on Monday, killing their 38-year-old mother.

The house was reduced to rubble on South Broad Street in Hamilton Township just before 7 a.m.

The victim who was killed was identified as a 38-year-old Tika Justice. She is survived by her 16- and 20-year-old daughters.

Community members have announced a collection drive to benefit the daughters in the wake of Monday's tragedy.

The drive--spearheaded by Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede, St. Phillips Baptist Church and the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center--aims to collect basic items, such as clothing. Gift card donations are also welcomed.

It's not clear what caused the collapse that killed Justice, whose body was found on top of her 16-year-old daughter. Emergency responders helped rescue the 20-year-old daughter shortly after they arrived on the scene. Crews reportedly heard screams coming from the center of the rental home.

The 20-year-old daughter was the one to make the 911 call around 7 a.m., originally reporting that the family heard cracking. When first responders arrived on the scene, the house collapsed.

MORE: Mom dies in Mercer County house collapse, shields teen daughter

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

Residents may bring donations to either St. Phillips Baptist Church or the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center. Both are located in Hamilton, New Jersey.

Donations will be accepted from Thursday, July 26 through Saturday, August 4.

COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Monday - Friday Collections

Saturday - Sunday Collections

Requested Clothing Sizes

Anyone with questions regarding additional item donations may contact the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center at 609-393-6480 or St. Phillips Baptist Church at 609-394-3887.