Please consider contributing to this fundraiser for a Cedar Rapids family of five left without a home after a house fire on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

On Wednesday in the Oak Hill Jackson Neighborhood on the city's Southeast side, the Verdeck family suffered a house fire in the early morning hours. The family includes mom, dad, twin fifth-grade boys, and a second-grade girl.

Dad and the kids were sleeping in second-floor bedrooms when the fire started and quickly spread throughout the first floor. Cedar Rapids Fire Department responded, and firefighters rescued the kids and their dad, plus two cats, Chicken and Daisy. Mom was at work.

The kids and dad were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and then released the next day. All are doing well! Unfortunately, two guinea pigs and a few cats died in the fire.

Next-door neighbors were evacuated during the fire but sustained no injuries. They took in the surviving cats initially.

Thanks to the persistence of a next-door neighbor, the Verdecks have moved into a temporary residence -- on their block. The owner of an Airbnb short-term rental will rent to the family for up to six months, providing immediate housing stability.

The Red Cross has met with the family and provided minimal aid. The family's homeowner's insurance will investigate, likely next week, and are aiding with temporary housing. After the investigation, the family will know whether they can repair the home or have the house demolished.

Clothing and other needs:

· Boys size 4.5 shoes, clothes 10-12

· Girls size 13-1 shoes, 7-8 clothes

· Boys like to read books and play games

· Girl likes girly toys, including Barbies

Although the family was insured, that will take months to sort out. Meanwhile, they've lost almost everything due to fire, smoke, or water damage.

Please consider doing what you can do for this family of five.