My Name is Amanda Garner and our family friend has gone through a devastating fire. On Monday night February 23rd , during one of the harshest blizzards we’ve seen in years, a local family’s world was turned upside down. A sudden house fire destroyed the home they were renting, leaving them with little time to save belongings and nowhere to return.

This hardworking family of five — parents and their three children in elementary, middle (HJMS), and Simsbury high school — lost nearly everything in the fire. I've kept their name private however, I am Amanda Garner and know the family through the oldest son.

They are now facing the overwhelming task of starting over.

Funds raised will help the family with immediate and essential needs, including:

• Clothing and shoes for the children

• Basic necessities and personal items

• Temporary housing support

• School supplies and everyday essentials

• Rebuilding and recovery expenses

This family is strong, but the financial strain is significant, and they cannot do this alone. Any donation — big or small — will make a meaningful difference as they work to rebuild their lives. (Note: My son is a classmate and teammate with the oldest child). All funds raised will go directly to the family.

Thank you for supporting this family during an incredibly difficult time. And THANK YOU to the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department for responding to this emergency. Photo credit to SVFD.