LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) – The governor of Massachusetts and leaders from the three communities affected have announced that a relief fund will be established to help residents whose lives were disrupted by a series of natural gas fires and explosions.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday the hope is to have the foundation running by the end of the week.

The foundation will be in addition to the payments from Columbia Gas, the utility that serves Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, and payouts from insurance companies.

Meanwhile, Columbia Gas continued to process claims and hand out gift cards to address the immediate needs of residents, such as groceries.

A company spokeswoman says 500 claims were processed Sunday 750 more are expected Monday.

One person died and about 25 were injured in the explosions last week.