Hello, everyone.

My name is Matthew, and I am a first-year teacher in rural North Carolina. On the evening of 4/1/22, my parents and younger sister and I lost our home in a tragic house fire. Thankfully, no people were in the house, and all animals were found after several hours of searching, but unfortunately, we have lost nearly everything and the house itself due to damage. This house has been in the family since it was built in the 1930s, and many great memories have been made here. The fire started inside the kitchen and spread throughout the living area and attic. We were lucky that some clothing and irreplaceable items (photos, important documents, etc.) were salvageable. Still, most of the furniture, household items/appliances and the house itself are lost due to fire, smoke, and water damage.

Any help that you can give is greatly appreciated. We are still in the process of deciding how to proceed with the current property. Even so, we know that we need assistance to cover temporary and eventually permanent housing solutions, medical bills for the animals and replenishing lost items like clothing and school/work supplies for myself and my sister, who is still in high school. Although I find it difficult to ask for help, I hope that you can find it in your heart to help our family in such a devastating time in our lives. I appreciate you all for even taking the time to read this.

I would also like to thank those who have reached out and given us words of strength and prayers. These things are equally important during a time like this. Thank you to the Bandys Fire Department and the good samaritan who saw the fire and reported it before more could be lost. We are thankful to all be together and know that we will persist through this dark time with the support of the community, our friends and family, and the Good Lord above.

Respectfully,

-Matthew & Family ❤️