At 2 am on a school night, while a snowstorm raged outside, my brother and sister-in-law’s lives changed forever. Their home was destroyed by a fire, leaving them, their five children, and their dog Rupert with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The children—1-year-old twins, a 2-year-old, a 10-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old girl—were all forced to climb out of a bedroom window to escape the flames, along with their parents and Rupert. None of the kids had on shoes or coats as they ran into the freezing night, the snowstorm making everything even more terrifying. The devastation is overwhelming, especially with three little ones under the age of three and the holidays just around the corner. Two weeks before Christmas, they are now without a home and struggling to figure out their next steps.

My brother and sister-in-law are incredibly hardworking parents who have always put their family first. They both work long hours to provide for their children and were just married a year ago, building a life together. Now, they are facing the unimaginable—displaced from their home, trying to comfort their children, and unsure of what the future holds. They have lost everything, from cherished memories to everyday essentials, and are in urgent need of support.

I am reaching out to our community and beyond, asking for any help you can offer. Your support will help them find a safe place to stay, replace what was lost, and begin to rebuild their lives. Please, if you are able, consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Every bit of kindness will make a difference for this family as they try to recover from this heartbreaking loss.