Hello Friends, Family, and Community,

Last night, my father lost everything he owns in a house fire that was set off by a wood-burning stove. My father is a retired veteran and is living paycheck to paycheck.

Fortunately, both my father and his dog are safe.

Unfortunately, the only things he was able to retrieve before leaving the house were his dog, car keys, his phone, his wallet with a total of $60, and the clothes on his back. Upon arrival today, it was realized that everything he has ever owned or collected has now been destroyed. The remaining things that possibly could be saved are currently frozen solid under a sheet of ice. Last night it dropped to a low of 12 degrees, which also means it makes it much more dangerous trying to enter the house today and trying to retrieve the few items remaining.

My fiancé and I are trying the best we can to help my father, but unfortunately, I can’t replace what he has lost. He is currently in need of things to keep him warm through this winter. We are looking for help with the essentials like a bed frame and mattress (even if anyone has one to donate). My father is currently retired but still works in his leisure. He is a diesel mechanic but lost all of his work clothes and steel-toe work boots he needs in order to return to work.

Some have asked if his house had insurance, and to answer that honestly, his landlord is a slumlord that will do nothing with the property except for letting it rot. My dad was given some help from the Red Cross, which was a blessing. They were able to give us some basic hygiene products, a gift card with $350, and are supposed to email us community resources. I’m not sure what those resources are, but I do know that we need HELP!

If anyone knows my father, he does not ask for help, but at this time of the year, maybe we can get him to believe in the spirit of Christmas. He has a heart of gold and would take the shirt off his back to help those he cares about. He has had a hard life, and although this event has been traumatic, he is one of the strongest people I know. He will get through this, but he just needs a little help along the way.

I want to finish this by saying thank you to everyone that has taken the time to read this far. You are a beautiful soul, and I want you to know I appreciate you. If you are able to donate here, that would be amazing. If you are able to donate items, please contact me. If you are not able to do either, again, that’s fine, just please share. Anything that is donated will be used strictly for getting my dad back on his feet. Thank you again, and I hope you all have a blessed holiday season.