Aid for Lichtwardts: Home Lost in Fire

Hi there,

My name is Claire and I am reaching out to you, my friends, and my community, on behalf of my parents, John and Colette Lichtwardt, and my sister Emma. My parent's beautiful little home in Altadena, California, burned to the ground yesterday afternoon (Wed. 8), taking with it the life they had collected for over fifty years.

My parents were evacuated at 9pm on Tuesday night, and texted Emma and I that they'd gone to spend the night at my aunt's house. I talked to them on the phone the next morning. We chatted about items they wished they'd grabbed, and they comforted me with their signature, steady optimism that they would be home soon.

My mom called me later that day around 5pm and I knew from the moment I picked up the phone— even though I still haven't quite grasped it even now—that it was gone. The fire ripped through the neighborhood leaving hardly so much as a chimney stack. My parents were able to visit the house a little while later, where they face-timed me and Emma and walked us through the hardly recognizable shell of our smoldering home.

I am beyond grateful for the safety of my family and have been reflecting this morning on what a privilege it is to simply be mourning the life that was held within a few old walls and not a life itself. The house was filled with beautiful belongings, perhaps of little value but of immeasurable meaning, and although some of what was burned may never be replaced, much of what is needed can be. I humbly turn to my community for whatever help you may be willing and able to give to help my parents recover and rebuild.

Funds will be used to replace essential house hold items my parents lost, including

A new mattress and bed frame

Pillows & bedding

Clothes & shoes

Pots & pans

Glasses & dishes

Furniture

Toiletries

Side note:

My dad is an avid outdoorsman and lost his entire collection of gear (skis, boots, outer layers, and all his fly fishing equipment). Funds from this donation will NOT be used to purchase gear as it is not a necessity, but if anyone has contacts to outdoor companies who may be able to provide discounts of any kind, Emma and I would be so grateful.

I thank God for my family, the privilege to have had so many beautiful things I will miss, and new beginnings. Thank you so much for your compassion and your support. You all mean the world to me.

With so much love,

Claire & Emma