I’m setting up this GoFundMe for my dear friend and coworker, Ms. Lillie Guidroz. She is truly one of the sweetest, most humble, servant-hearted, God-fearing women I know. As a kindergarten assistant at our school, she is constantly pouring into others with love and selflessness. She is a single woman who works incredibly hard to cover her monthly bills and live a life rooted in faith. She devotes herself wholeheartedly to loving Jesus and loving people well.

On the night of July 4th, while spending time with her beloved grandlovies, her granddaughter looked out the window and saw something terrifying—Ms. Lillie’s car was on fire in the driveway. Here is Ms. Lillie’s own account:

“We were getting ready for bed and my granddaughter went to her room to get her pajamas. She started screaming, ‘GiGi, your car is on fire!’ I ran outside and completely lost it—just stood there screaming. My daughter called 911. I grabbed the hose on the side of the house to try and wet the house down, but the fire was too hot, and all I could do was cry. My daughter was in the backyard with the three kids because literal pieces of cement were breaking off and flying. I hurt my knee and elbow falling while trying to spray water on my granddaughter's window. A neighbor came running, grabbed me, and said, ‘Ma’am, you can’t stop it. Get out of here,’ and dragged me out of the yard. The fire department said it had to be fireworks. My car had been parked in my daughter's driveway since Thursday morning. I’m speechless. The heat caused minor damage to the house. My granddaughter thought fireworks were hitting her window—that’s why she looked out and saw the car in flames. The window eventually busted out. I’ve never felt so hopeless and defeated in my life. Total shock.”

The next morning, her car was towed away—completely destroyed. Miraculously, the only thing left untouched was a portion of her Holy Bible. Everything else was burned beyond recognition.

Ms. Lillie’s car insurance policy has a maximum coverage of $15,000, and she still owed nearly $8,000 on the vehicle. It’s unclear how much she will ultimately receive from the insurance payout, but it is very unlikely to be enough to replace the vehicle or cover the personal items lost in the fire.

We are asking for your help to support Ms. Lillie as she navigates this unexpected hardship. Any amount you can give is deeply appreciated. Let’s surround her with love and generosity, just as she does for so many others every day.