A memorial is planned at the Bunker Hill Playground in Pottsville to commemorate the lives of Joy, Jeremiah, Elijah and Emily Brown, who died in a Mother's Day house fire in the city that also took the lives of their father, Eric Brown, and aunt, Kristina Thomas.
The playground is nestled between Schuylkill Avenue and Pierce Street.
"We did it because we felt bad that the kids passed away in the fire," said Renee Williams, 37, of Pottsville.
Two friends of Williams, Yvonne Mattera and Michelle Yarnell, both of Pottsville, came up with the idea that originally was a fundraiser for the mother, Kelly Brown, who was at a neighbor's house doing laundry when the fire took place.
The idea changed to a way to honor the children because of the ongoing fire investigation, Williams said.
Kelly Brown moved to Washington state with a family member last month.
Williams said neighbors told her the children visited the playground often.
Two benches, solar lights, stones inscribed each with a name and a plaque and possibly a butterfly bush and other landscaping will be done at the playground area.
"I went down to city hall and spoke with Tom Palamar and Mayor (John D. W.) Reiley and they told me they think that's an outstanding idea to do a memorial site in memory of the four kids that passed in the Pottsville fire," Williams said.
A Chinese auction and dart tournament held June 9 at the Humane Fire Company, Pottsville, raised $1,083 for the memorial.
Mattera is a firefighter with the Humane Fire Company, Williams said.
Another fundraiser is planned for 1 to 3 p.m. June 30 at the Schuylkill Racquet and Fitness Center, Orwigsburg. The cost to attend is $5 and proceeds will benefit the memorial.
"I'm hoping to have the park completed by the middle of July," Williams said.
Some playground equipment at the park will be painted and the park cleaned up July 6.
Williams said Momma Millie's Bakery, Pottsville, will donate benches for the site.
Millie Kennedy, owner of the bakery, 216 N. Centre St., said Thursday she was talking to her husband, Alfred R. Kennedy III, when Williams stopped by.
Millie Kennedy knew the Brown family.
"The family were very good customers of mine," she said, adding they bought cupcakes and brownies.
When she learned of the fire, she said, "My heart was broke."
Her husband works for Kennedy Concrete Inc., Ashland. Her father-in-law, Alfred R. Kennedy Jr., owns the company.
Of the benches, she said, "You do things 'cause it's the right thing to do."
"I think it's a very noble gesture about the memorial," Reiley said Thursday.
Anyone wanting to donate to the cause can call Williams at 570-294-7538.
Pottsville fire Chief Todd March said last week the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.