Exactly one year ago today, Preston and Stacey Smith's garage caught fire and spread through the kitchen and their bedroom. We were at our family reunion when a neighbor called to tell them the horrific news. My parents, Jackson, Haylee, and I sat and watched our home of over 30 years burn from 30 second ring camera videos until the device melted.

These photos are from one year later. As you can see, progress is heartbreakingly slow. As you can imagine, this year has taken a heavy emotional and physical toll on my parents (who are both still in the workforce). My parents are currently living in the two functional back rooms of the house (but it's basically like camping at this point) and they need some help to get things rolling.

The house should be covered by never-ending negotiations with insurance, but most of my parents' necessities and personal belongings were not. Any appliances covered were given a "depreciated value" (aka $25 to buy a new oven), and perhaps most devastating—NONE of my dad's construction tools (collected over the last 40+ years of business) are covered.

If you know my parents, you know that they are the last to ask for help. So Jackson, Haylee, and I are asking for monetary support on my parents' behalf. Being raised to be self-sufficient, you know we wouldn't be asking if there wasn't a true and urgent need.

Preston and Stacey have been pillars of the Santa Clarita Valley since the 1980s—always the first to show up, the last to ask for anything in return.

- Preston served as President of the Hart High Quarterback Club, coached recreation sports around the valley, and took on numerous volunteer positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the man who brings his tools and truck to service projects and gets things done without calling attention to himself.

- Stacey gave her time to PTAs, ran the Wiley Canyon Elementary School variety show chorus, chaperoned field trips, lent her voice to community choirs, and served in various local and regional church callings. She always brings warmth and creativity, and everything she touches is changed for the better.

They’ve spent their lives giving. Now, we’re asking our friends, neighbors, and the community they’ve always served to give back to help get them back on their feet.

Please donate if you’re able. Every bit helps. And please share this with anyone who knows and loves them.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you.

- Stephanie (Smith) Nguyen