Help Jim and Rebecca Rebuild After Devastating Fire

Hi friends, family, co-workers, and community of Jim and Rebecca Cook,

On Saturday, October 26th, around 10pm, I heard what sounded first like a gun shot, then fireworks (maybe?)...then sirens. We live just a couple of blocks from the fire department and police department so it's not uncommon for us to hear sirens. I realized they stopped very close. I looked out the back window and saw an ambulance come around the corner and other flashing lights. That's when I knew something was happening with one of my neighbors.

I ran outside towards the lights. Tears started streaming down my face as I noticed it was Jim and Rebecca's house...completely engulfed in flames. Did they get out? Are Morgan and Barry safe? My hands were shaking like leaves.

Jim, Rebecca, and their pups, Morgan and Barry, are safe, but they lost literally everything. They ran out with the clothes on their backs and each other. Many of us hugged them, held the pups, cried with them as they watched their cars, their memories, their family heirlooms go up in flames. It is a vision I will never forget. As traumatizing as it was to watch my friends' world go up in flames, I can't even begin to understand how it felt for them.

As Jim and Rebecca started talking to all of the insurance companies, they realized not everything will be covered. I encouraged them to throw pride out the window and allow me to ask you all for help. Their immediate community has given them a place to stay, clothes to cover a few days, and lots of hugs, but they need financial help now.

First and foremost, please, keep them in your thoughts and prayers. And then, if you are able, please consider helping out financially. Any and everything helps. I thank you and I know they will/would thank each and every one of you with tears in their eyes. They are so thankful for the support they have already received.

Stay safe everyone!