Fire takes nearly everything…please help

*** UPDATE 3***

Im sorry for the slow responses. I just went back to work after a life saving emergency surgery and am still recovering while trying to help my step-dad. My son Steven has been helping Butch ( Grandpa) in person but also has 2 little ones and doesn't always have much time to keep Facebook updated. Tawnya King is an in law just trying to help spread the word and we are so thankful for her! We’re also so very thankful to Sephora at the Tacoma News Tribune for writing this story… https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article311182480.html

I’m the one in charge of the Go Fund Me funds and getting them to Butch as he needs them to replace clothes, med, gas, ect. I have him sign off on the amount each time so it is documented that I am keeping nothing out of it for myself. He’s also saving all his receipts and there is a record of money going into his account. I’m trying my hardest to get in touch with people who can help. Tawnya has really done a lot of this for me on social media and we are so thankful. Right now Butch is still able to stay with a friend. His friend gave him 3 weeks yesterday day to be out.

Tawnya got help from Ed through FB and he has been up there with his little tractor making progress on the property. Stacking piles and clearing as much as he can. He cleared a small temporary spot for the trailer I gave him. It needs a lot of work but is livable at least for the summer . He has a microwave now. The trailer has a couch bed in the entryway but he still needs a nice queen sized mattress. We will probably use these funds to buy an affordable one from Costco soon if we can’t get a good one donated. My son and I moved it up there yesterday. He doesn't have anywhere to store more items right now. The main priority is getting the property cleaned up and a dumpster to haul everything out and bigger heavy equipment if possible.

He is in contact with a guy that is selling a nice used doublewide mobile home for 20k which includes delivering and setting it up on the property. This is now the goal. The guy said he would take one of the bikes that’s partly burned as part of the down payment. We are trying to get as much as we can to put down, most of the Go fund me funds are still in his account for this purpose and we hoping he will take affordable payments on the rest. My step dad is already on a low income budget and not in good enough health to come out of retirement. He actually seems healthier than he has in years but literally still has diabetes, cancer in his foot a heart condition and poor kidneys.

It’s amazing all he’s been the this last few years. He’s a walking miracle and has the most grateful for life and thankful to God and all who have helped him disposition I’ve ever seen. Like Job in the Bible. He is a good man and I just want him to be ok. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, shared, donated everything including thoughts and best wishes, it is very much appreciated❤️❣️

**Update: 2 **

My step dad Leland (Butch) Smith who is the beneficiary of this fund raiser is currently able to stay with a friend temporarily for a short time while we try to get some type of heavy machinery to the property to do cleanup on the property. We can’t afford to rent or pay anyone but can hopefully cover gas from these donations.

We are also really hoping to get a better trailer to put on the property than the one I have to offer which should really just be used as a last resort since nothing works in it like the fridge/freezer, stove, heater, microwave and it also needs a new mattress. We are really hoping to find a free or low cost one that can be bought with the funds here.

He is sooo thankful for all the kindness, love and support that has been shown and I can’t thank you enough for your help and donations. We have not used any of the money yet in hopes it will add up enough to buy him a better trailer/place to live but I will be updating this with exactly how the money is used for him when it is.

2 days ago, my stepdad lost everything he owns except his actual property, his car, and the clothes he was wearing. This horrible fire started somewhere outside on his property while he was inside, and they couldn’t determine the cause. The Red Cross gave him a gift card that paid for the last 2 nights at a hotel, but he can’t afford to stay there any longer.

I’m giving him my camper/trailer to put out at his property to use, but it also needs work. It’s just better than nothing and all I really have left to give. He’ll need to get a mattress, microwave, and a way to refrigerate food. I rent a room/house share, or I would take him in. I also just got out of the hospital last week after having to have an unexpected life-saving surgery and have not been able to work for a few weeks now and am broke myself. He had no insurance and is on a very low limited budget like so many other hard-working seniors who have worked their whole lives.

I want so much to help him; he has always tried to be the best grandpa to my kids and has always loved me like I was his biological daughter. I lost both of my real parents many years ago, and he’s always been there for me in their place whenever he could be. He has a kind heart and doesn’t deserve all that he is going through. I can tell he’s getting very depressed. He lost his 24-year-old cat named “Rascal” in the fire as well. We have had to replace all his prescription medications and buy clothes, and there are many more costs, like even gas to get the trailer towed out there, which my oldest son is doing for him. We are all financially tapped out, and we are the only family he has.

I know people always say that anything helps, but really, literally anything helps. Really, even a dollar. I know this will give him hope that things can get better, seeing people still care. I promise everything will go towards rebuilding his life and would be happy to provide receipts. I have never asked for money like this for myself or anyone, but he really needs help, and my heart goes out to him. Thank you.