FIRE DISASTER RELIEF
Donation protected
Hi, I am Barb, the niece of the elderly couple that is the subject of this request for funding. My family and I are seeking assistance for our elderly relatives who suffered a devastating house fire in late January and lost everything. The fire destroyed their home along with all of their possessions; including both vehicles, which were parked in the garage. My aunt and uncle have been retired for many years. They are currently facing rebuilding a semblance of a daily life after this devastating tragedy and are not in a position to recover quickly. They have lost everything and are in dire need of help. My aunt and uncle are going through immense distress and require assistance. They need shoes, clothes, toiletries, sheets, and other essential items to survive the coming months. The loss of their home has left them without basic necessities like pillows, beds, and cooking utensils. There is no pantry for food, no pots to cook in, no oven or stove to prepare meals, and no plates to serve it on. The situation is particularly challenging for them given their age and current health condition. The money will be utilized to provide them with proper clothing and necessary food, arrange for a temporary shelter, acquire basic utensils and household equipment, cover the medical expenses, arrange for a vehicle to commute to medical appointments, and purchase the required materials for their dog.
On a fateful night in January, my aunt and uncle were watching TV in their loft when my aunt suddenly heard a loud noise on the roof. As my aunt got up to investigate, a second boom rang out. Within seconds, the house was engulfed in flames. The once-peaceful night turned into chaos in a matter of seconds. They had barely enough time to grab their beloved dog and their coats before attempting to flee the flames that were quickly consuming the house.
As they shivered in the cold night, breathing in the intense smoke that was billowing from the fire, wearing only their night clothes and a coat, and my aunt clutching tightly to her dog, they watched helplessly as the intense flames consumed their home, and it fell to ashes before their eyes. In less than a few hours, the home that they had built largely with their own two hands many years ago, the home that provided shelter, warmth, safety, and love; the home that had always been open to friends and welcoming to strangers, was no longer standing.
The flames were so high and burned so hot that the night sky appeared as bright as daylight. Everything they owned – their clothes, their vehicles, their history – was burning, and there was no saving it. That night, they lost everything they had worked so hard for all their lives. The fire left nothing but charred walls and twigs in the once-loved basement.
At present, they are relying on the kindness of neighbors and their faith to make it through this trying time. They are still in shock and struggling to come to terms with the loss of everything that housed their memories of over 80 years. The trauma of the tragedy has taken a significant toll on them, and they need help and support to cope with the aftermath.
Due to their age and health, it could take months or even years, or perhaps not all, before they are able to rebuild their home. We ask for donations to help them get through this difficult time and to rebuild their lives.
At this time, we would also like to thank the local fire department in their city. Despite the snow and ice blocking the roads for days, the fire department managed to reach the scene. The area was difficult to access due to the treacherous conditions, but the firefighters navigated the winding, hilly roads and did everything they could to help. We are grateful for their efforts and thank them for their service.
Organizer and beneficiary
Barbara Sherbourne
Organizer
Spring City, TN
Karen Rehring
Beneficiary