Berry Family Loses Everything In A House Fire

Our sister and nephew have experienced the loss of everything they owned in a fast-moving house fire on the night of 11/7/23. They were only able to get out with the clothes on their backs and most of their beloved pets. At this time, we are hoping to support their immediate needs as well as help with getting them established in a home. We know it will take a lot for them to rebuild as they did not have insurance.

Our hope is now that the community can come together and support her and her son in their greatest time of need. The losses she and Michael have experienced are far more than material, as their beloved kitty Lily was still in the home as well as Michael expressing his deep sadness for the loss of his childhood home. They both are facing a long hard road in rebuilding.

Growing up and living in Scott Valley Linda Sue has been consistently involved in various community events in the area that make things possible for so many others. Our sister is often first to jump in and work hard to support anyone in need. Many of you know her well and can agree that she has passed along her passion to serve others to her son Michael. This past Halloween Michael had a vision to put together a haunted house for everyone to enjoy. It was a great success and many of you attended this wonderful event and supported their efforts to help with fundraising to rebuild the Valley Oaks Community Hall. This is just one example of their hard work dedication to give back to our small community.

Linda Sue has always been a hard-working mom, not only seeing to the needs of her son but the needs of many others. Whether it is a friend, a stranger, an individual or a group, she has always stepped up to help and support in any way often going far above and beyond.

Due to their jobs working within the schools, she and Michael are well known and loved by the children and their parents. Often children who attend Fort Jones and Etna Elementary schools run up to them excitedly to say hello. Each time, she and Michael take the time to talk with them and make them feel special. Their dedication to the kids they work with goes without saying.

Our request is not only to help support them at this time financially, but also as a community to come together and wrap your arms around them in this time of need. If you see them, offer them a high 5, a hug or a word of encouragement. We know how this valley can come together when someone is in need and hope to show Linda Sue and Michael the value, we all have for them and as a part of the community.

We will also be setting up an Amazon Wish list for her, if you would rather shop for her please reach out to me for the link.

We would like to send out a huge thank you to firefighters who responded. Linda Sue, Michael and our parents were truly amazed by their hard work and dedicated efforts in trying to save the home and belongings. They did not stop there as they also offered kindness, compassion and support during such difficult moments.

We also want to thank those of you who have already reached out to her and Michael thus far offering support. It has been a wonderful thing to see and truly is appreciated!!

As a result of this generosity happy tears have been shed and give hope for better days to come.

Sincerely, The Berry Girls (Lisa, Shelly & Stacie)