Merrell Family House Fire
Donation protected
My lifelong friends, Amber and Roger Merrell, and their sweet family lost all of their material possessions in a fire on March 16. They have five children, who now have no school clothes, sports equipment, school supplies, or toys. They must rebuild their lives and replace all of their furniture, bedding, kitchen items, household items, tools, and electronics, in addition to buying another home. The fire spread through their house in mere moments during the middle of the night. Thankfully, they were able to get out in time, but they are now in desperate need of our help.
The Merrells are the most generous family I know. Their home was always open for get-togethers and celebrations, including a surprise party Amber threw for me once, which I will never forget, as well as my bridal shower. It was the kind of home that I, and many others, felt comfortable just popping by unannounced to spend some quality time with them.
They have been donating their youngest daughter, Iyuana's, clothes to my daughter, Scarlett, since she was born in 2015. Scarlett continues to wear Iyuana's hand-me-downs, and our second daughter, who is due this May, has an entire wardrobe for her first three years of life, thanks to the Merrells. Now, my heart breaks because the fire took all of little Iyuana's clothing and toys.
Amber has been a mentor to me and like a big sister ever since we were college roommates. I am eternally grateful for her friendship, and I ask that even if you do not know the Merrells personally, please take my word that there is no more deserving family of our compassion than them.
You may have seen their oldest son, Roger Jr.'s, achievements on Mansfield Senior High's basketball team this year in the news. He is certainly making Mansfield proud, and his success is a testament to the support of his parents, as well as his own hard work. All the Merrell kids are very involved in sports. Amber is a dedicated soccer coach too. Their sports seasons, school years, and lives have been disrupted in the most traumatic way. Any help to get this family's life back to normal would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and from the Merrells, whom we all love dearly, for your generous donations.
Sincerely,
Susan Mills-Martinez
The Merrells are the most generous family I know. Their home was always open for get-togethers and celebrations, including a surprise party Amber threw for me once, which I will never forget, as well as my bridal shower. It was the kind of home that I, and many others, felt comfortable just popping by unannounced to spend some quality time with them.
They have been donating their youngest daughter, Iyuana's, clothes to my daughter, Scarlett, since she was born in 2015. Scarlett continues to wear Iyuana's hand-me-downs, and our second daughter, who is due this May, has an entire wardrobe for her first three years of life, thanks to the Merrells. Now, my heart breaks because the fire took all of little Iyuana's clothing and toys.
Amber has been a mentor to me and like a big sister ever since we were college roommates. I am eternally grateful for her friendship, and I ask that even if you do not know the Merrells personally, please take my word that there is no more deserving family of our compassion than them.
You may have seen their oldest son, Roger Jr.'s, achievements on Mansfield Senior High's basketball team this year in the news. He is certainly making Mansfield proud, and his success is a testament to the support of his parents, as well as his own hard work. All the Merrell kids are very involved in sports. Amber is a dedicated soccer coach too. Their sports seasons, school years, and lives have been disrupted in the most traumatic way. Any help to get this family's life back to normal would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and from the Merrells, whom we all love dearly, for your generous donations.
Sincerely,
Susan Mills-Martinez
Organizer
Susan Mills-Martinez
Organizer
Mansfield, OH
