Hi everyone, I’m Annie Avery, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my big sister Liz (Bethany) and my two nephews Ben and Charlie after a devastating fire that destroyed their condo in Strongsville, Ohio on Super Bowl Sunday. They lost nearly everything inside, the essentials they use every day and the irreplaceable items that made their home feel like home.

Investigators believe it was a freak accident involving their fireplace, something related to age or normal wear and tear that couldn’t reasonably have been predicted. The fireplace had been professionally maintained and inspected in the past, and they did everything they were supposed to do.

Most importantly, everyone is safe. We are incredibly grateful to the Strongsville Fire Department and the surrounding departments who responded quickly and bravely. Because of them, Liz and the boys made it out and were able to grab only a few irreplaceable items, including our dad’s Bible, which is incredibly special to Liz, our mom, me, and our brother Adam.

The loss is overwhelming. The condo is being gutted, and she’s been told it may be a year or more before they can move back. Nearly everything inside is unsalvageable, not only from the fire itself, but from smoke exposure and the hazardous materials that burn in a house fire. They’ve been advised that only items like glass and metal may be able to be safely cleaned, and even then, it’s expensive and not everything survives the decontamination process.

Liz is a single mom, and Ben and Charlie, both students attend school in Strongsville and have lost their everyday essentials, including clothes, beds, furniture, and school items, along with irreplaceable childhood keepsakes like artwork, favorite toys, blankets, sports gear, and art projects.

The hardest part is that their homeowners insurance coverage for replacing personal belongings is extremely low, only $5,600 total, which won’t come close to what’s needed to start over.

If you’re able to help, donations will go directly toward replacing basic necessities as they rebuild, including clothing, winter gear, beds, household essentials, and school needs. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this helps more than you know.

Prayers are also appreciated. We’re accepting clothing donations in the Cleveland and Strongsville area.

Ben (11): boys size 14 or L/XL

Charlie (9): boys size 10–12 or M/L

Shoes: 5.5–6 and 7.5–8

Thank you for reading, and for any support you can provide for Liz and the boys. They’re going through a heartbreaking change, and your kindness truly helps more than you know.