Yesterday my neighbor and good friend's home caught fire. After burning for over four hours, first responders were able to put out the fire, but everything was lost. My friend was able to get his four children out safely, but in nothing but t-shirts and house clothes. Firemen were able to retrieve only two items, his Bible and his late son's ashes.

His six year old daughter goes to school with my daughter, and when I saw her last night, the first thing she did was hug me and ask how my daughter was. She did not cry that she only made it out of her burning home barefoot in a shirt and skirt, but asked how my daughter was feeling. What a beautiful soul.

His sons are genuine sweethearts. His five year old always greeted my girls with the biggest hugs at the bus stop. His thirteen year old would wait for his little sister to come home off the bus every day, rain or shine, and wasn't ashamed to hold a conversation with a square like me, or play catch with my youngest as we waited for the bus. His two year old always had a smile, except for the time he dropped his donut before he could finish. Let's face it, I would cry, too.

My friend was always great to talk to, so full of stories. He's led a life of hardship but never gave up, and hearing what he's lived through filled me with hope that my own situation would get better. He broke my heart when he told me of his baby's twin's passing.

Now my heart breaks again for this family. As the rest of us are doing our last minute shopping and deciding our holiday plans, this family is wondering where they will stay tomorrow, or how they will get through this.

Here's what I have to ask of you. Is there something extra you have that may help this family? Is there room in your heart to pray for these wonderful people?

I will be gathering items, clothes, and everyday essentials to pass along to this family. I'm trying to put together Christmas gifts for these kids so they can have a little light in this crisis. I don't have much to give, but I want this family to know they are loved and not alone.  

I wasn't going to start a crowd funding page, but I've been asked to by some generous donors, so I'm giving this a try.  I have a public facebook event posted here https://www.facebook.com/events/236692733432013/ to gather items I can pass along to the family.  

If you have something you can share, please let me know. Send me a private message via facebook and we can figure out how to get it to these guys. Everything helps, no matter how small. Shoes, clothes, toys, food, gift cards (they do not have a car, so if you can provide a gift card, please consider somewhere local in Jerseyville, IL).  

Thank you for taking the time to read, and I hope you consider helping out.  Thank you to all the wonderful people who have already reached out their hands to assist.  May you have a safe and blessed holiday.