Paradise Fire Poindexter Family
Donation protected
On November 8th, 2018 my cousin, Alma Poindexter Dawson Chaika, lost everything in the devastating fire that swept through Paradise, CA. Her home is gone, her job is gone, her personal belongings are gone. Her family photos are gone. Her material and financial life are gone. In an instant, my cousin Alma and my Aunt Dolly have nothing, but the clothes on their backs. It takes my breath away to even think about this. None of us ever expects this to happen to them, it never will, we have insurance, we will be okay……they are not okay. My cousin Alma takes complete care of my Aunt Dolly, who is bed ridden. The cost to do so has not afforded my cousin Alma to pay for homeowner’s insurance. It happens, we all do things to cut corners to try to save a few bucks. I can raise my hand to say I have done the same. Then something happens……….a devastating fire.
My family lost everything during Hurricane Sandy. I know how hard it is to clean up, get up and move forward the best you can. It is easy to say, hey we are still alive and I have my family, but the reality of not even having a home to go to is heart breaking. That scarf your mom made is not there. The only picture you had of your parents wedding is not there. Your family bible is not there……
The emotionally roller coaster of being thankful to be alive and then realize you have nothing, then you are sharing a place with other people without your belongings is beyond my ability to express here.
My cousin Alma was my bestie when we were kids. We were the two that got into trouble together. We would hide my grandmothers rent checks or slide down Aunt Dolly’s stairs on our butts……silly kids we were. Your mind goes back to these great times to try to help you heal along the path of recovery. Some days it works and some days it does not. A great loss is something no one ever expects will happen to them or their family.
Alma’s employer has paid for a hotel room, temporarily. It is a start. Sadly, Alma’s employer lost their company building in the fires. We all need a helping hand at times in our lives. This is that time for my cousin Alma and my Aunt Dolly…….please, donate. Every little bit helps.
Thank you for all the well wishes and love from our home to your home. God bless.
My family lost everything during Hurricane Sandy. I know how hard it is to clean up, get up and move forward the best you can. It is easy to say, hey we are still alive and I have my family, but the reality of not even having a home to go to is heart breaking. That scarf your mom made is not there. The only picture you had of your parents wedding is not there. Your family bible is not there……
The emotionally roller coaster of being thankful to be alive and then realize you have nothing, then you are sharing a place with other people without your belongings is beyond my ability to express here.
My cousin Alma was my bestie when we were kids. We were the two that got into trouble together. We would hide my grandmothers rent checks or slide down Aunt Dolly’s stairs on our butts……silly kids we were. Your mind goes back to these great times to try to help you heal along the path of recovery. Some days it works and some days it does not. A great loss is something no one ever expects will happen to them or their family.
Alma’s employer has paid for a hotel room, temporarily. It is a start. Sadly, Alma’s employer lost their company building in the fires. We all need a helping hand at times in our lives. This is that time for my cousin Alma and my Aunt Dolly…….please, donate. Every little bit helps.
Thank you for all the well wishes and love from our home to your home. God bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Charlene Verner
Organizer
Paradise, CA
Alma Chaika
Beneficiary
