In the early morning hours of July 23rd, 2016, in the city of Upland, CA, the home of Cody & Renee Mack and their four young children (ages 11, 10, 4, and 3) caught fire and burned.  No one was hurt, but all personal property appears to be a total loss.  Now we're asking for your help.

My name is James Costa, a family friend of the Mack's.  Having grown up with Cody through school and beyond, I can personally vouch for the kind of upstanding character he exemplifies.  A family man and small business entrepreneur, Cody works tirelessly to provide quality services to businesses and homeowners throughout Southern California.  The dedication to his customers and quality of work grows from one reason:  to support the gracious family that he loves so much.  I can only hope to paint a small picture for you on how much Cody and the Mack family care for each other and the community around them, though it would pale in comparison to meeting them in person.  For those of you who know Cody and Renee and their wonderful kids, you'll understand my perspective.  For those who have never met them, consider yourself lucky if you ever do.  These wonderful human beings are some of the nicest people I've ever met!

The Mack Family, July 4, 2016.

Sometime on Friday, July 22nd, a lamp was purchased from a local home goods retailer.  "It would look great in that corner!", they thought.  After taking it home, plugging it in and testing it, all was good in the Mack home.  Hours later when everyone had laid down for the night, Cody was falling asleep when he noticed something strange in the hall.  Was it a dream?  It wasn't.

Cody Mack got out of bed to see smoke in the hallway, and a roaring fire from where the new lamp had been placed.  At this time, the fire seems to have started from an electrical short.  Cody yelled to Renee to evacuate the kids which she did while Cody attempted to extinguish the fire.  When the fire explosively doubled in size, Cody realized he was outmatched and could not contain the blaze with just the garden hose in his hand.  He did a thorough sweep of the house to make sure his family was out before finally exiting the house, with the flame quickly in tow.  Cody rushed to the neighboring houses to make sure their families were out safely in the event the fire jumped to a nearby building.  Upland Fire Department arrived on scene and eventually put out the structure fire, using seven fire trucks and 42 fire personnel on-scene.  As the smoke cleared, two things became apparent:

- The damage the fire had done was extensive, and had left nothing unscathed.
- No one was injured, but Cody & Renee Mack must now rebuild their lives and that of their children.

Family photo, destroyed.  July 23, 2016.

For now, the Mack's are currently split between a few family households in the area.  But, in the quaint Upland community in which they have always given so much, we are asking for help.  Financial help from you.

All money collected will be used for re-establishing the lives of these six wonderful people.  In the short-term, their kids need things like clothing, books, school items, even basic toys.  Cody and Renee also need clothing, both casual and work-related, and general financial support to help provide for their family in this dire time.  Things like food, shelter, toiletries, and more are immediate but ongoing expenses.  Looking ahead, the climb will be difficult.  They must put their family into new housing eventually and rebuild a home for their children.  Things like beds and other basic types of furniture will be needed, in addition to financial obligations like housing and utility security deposits, old and new utility bills, ongoing business expenses and more.  The more I think about what they could use the donated funds for, I get overwhelmed.  We all have many things that we take for granted -- but when you lose it all, you've really got nothing but each other.  Now is the time for us to band together and show the Mack's who love us so much how much the community is behind them, how much they mean to us, and how much we love them back.

When I told Cody I would set this up, he was humbled and concerned about asking others for help.  Even in this terrible situation, Cody continues to think of others above himself.  I have seen Cody and Renee stand by mutual friends in need, help organize community fundraisers for the less fortunate, and teach their children about respecting others and life of any kind.  These are just a very few of the many reasons why I stand behind the Mack's, and why it would mean so much to me if you could stand behind them too.  You'll be hard-pressed to meet a more lovely family than the Macks.  Any assistance you provide I will be forever grateful for, and they will be too.

Monetary donations are gladly accepted through GoFundMe and will be placed directly into the hands of the Mack family.  I know they'll be getting some money from my wallet, and I'd be forever grateful and thankful if you could contribute as well.

For other contributions, information, or questions, please see below:

Credit Donations:
     GoFundMe

Cash Donations:
     Contact James Costa or Cody Mack through GoFundMe

Check Donations:
     Make out to:   Cody Mack
     Mail to:  105 N. Vallejo Way, Upland, CA 91786

Clothing, Property, or Delivered Donations:
     Mail to:  105 N. Vallejo Way, Upland, CA 91786

Please contact us through the GoFundMe contact feature with any other questions.

Warmest Regards, and God Bless you and your Family.
-James Costa