Hi, my name is Kristen McGrath. I am the stepmother of 5 of the kids who lost their home. I am writing this to help Caroline Caron and Ricky Berube, as well as their 7-year-old son, Nathan, who does not deserve to be going through this at all.

On March 21st, 2026, a house fire tore through my step-children's mother's home and took everything these children knew and loved. Miraculously, all six kids — my five step-kids and their half-brother, ages (20,19,17,15,12,7) — escaped without injuries, but the emotional and practical losses are overwhelming. In one terrible night, they lost their bedrooms, favorite toys and blankets, school clothes, backpacks, photos, keepsakes, and the familiarity of home.

These are children who deserve safety, comfort, and the simple things that help a child feel secure: a warm bed, a favorite stuffed animal, clothes that fit, backpacks for school, and the ability to continue their routines without added hardship. Right now, we are facing immediate needs and an uncertain path forward. We are exhausted physically and emotionally, and we need help to make sure these kids aren’t left without the essentials as we rebuild.

What we need and how funds will be used

We are hoping to raise $7,000 to cover urgent and near-term needs, including:

Emergency essentials: new clothing, underwear, socks, shoes, pajamas, and toiletries for six children.

Bedding and comfort items: mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, and at least one favorite comfort toy or blanket per child to help with trauma.

Temporary housing & utilities: short-term rental or motel while we secure permanent housing, plus utility deposits and basic furnishings.

School necessities: backpacks, school clothes, supplies, replacement of laptops/tablets or chargers needed for remote learning, and fees so the kids can return to school without falling behind.

Furnishings & household basics: a few essential pieces of furniture (beds, a table, chairs), kitchen items (pots, plates, utensils ect..), and cleaning supplies to make the temporary home livable.

Important documents & recovery: replacement IDs, birth certificates, school records, and moving/cleanup costs associated with salvaging what’s left.

Emotional and medical care: counseling or therapy to help the children process the trauma, and any medical co-pays or prescriptions that arise from the incident.

Every dollar will go directly to meet the children’s needs. We will post receipts and regular updates so supporters know how funds are used.

Why your help matters

A home fire destroys more than property — it takes away security, routine, and the small things that make childhood feel safe. These six children are facing fear, loss, and upheaval at a vulnerable age. Your contribution — whether $5, $25, $50, or $500 — will give them immediate relief and the chance to heal with dignity. Donations will provide tangible items the kids can hold onto: a warm blanket on a cold night, new shoes, a backpack for the first day back at school, and the reassurance that their community cares.

How can you help besides donating?

Share this campaign on social media, neighborhood groups, school networks, and with family and friends.

Contact us if you can provide in-kind donations (new clothing, bedding, gift cards for groceries, mattresses, or furniture). We can provide sizes and specific needs.

Offer resources or contacts for short-term housing, furniture donations, school supply drives, or counseling services.

Updates and transparency

We will post regular updates on how funds are spent and photos (when appropriate) of replaced items and steps toward stability. If you’d like verification or receipts, please message me, Joey Rossignol, or the Food Bank in Grand Falls, and we will share them.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting these children and their parents during one of the hardest times of their lives. Your kindness will be a lifeline and a reminder that even after something devastating, community and compassion can help rebuild their future.