I’m posting this to try and help Erin help out her favorite family (as she lovingly calls them). Sunday morning, she posted about her friends’ apartment catching fire. Ever since then, I haven’t been able to get this out of my mind. Perhaps it’s the fact that they have a week old baby that it tugged at my heartstrings extra hard, but either way, these guys need some help. Read on to see what Erin posted on her blog, and then head on over there if you feel compelled to help out. I know I’m going to try and help out in some way.
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In the wee hours of Sunday morning, I posted information on a fire that had destroyed my Favorite Family's apartment. Since then I have been updated of their situation and needs.
I talked to Wife on Sunday afternoon and she shared with me the story of the fire. She said her and her husband were watching a movie with his family when someone loudly knocked on the door. Husband went to the door expecting a neighbor to be complaining about the surround sound. Instead he heard FIRE! and looked outside. Sure enough, the building was on on fire.
The family gathered up baby Madilyn first and got her out of the building as soon as possible to avoid potential burns and/or smoke inhalation. Next, they gathered as many belongings as they could in the short time they were allowed in the building. Wife grabbed bottles and baby necessities, Husband grabbed the cat, and the rest of the family gathered what personal belongings they could.
Wife said it was devastating to sit in the car for four hours with a sleeping Madilyn and watch the building burn knowing there was nothing she could do about it. As of Saturday night they were certain they had lost everything as the fire ravaged the entire building. Red Cross placed them in a nearby hotel for the night and gave them money for necessities. Over 50 people were displaced due to the fire.
Husband was allowed into the apartment on Sunday and was shocked to see the damage. The kitchen and one bathroom was completely destroyed. But he was shocked to see that most of the apartment was unharmed by the fire (though some places had heavy smoke and soot damage). He rescued a bottle of wine and rum from the kitchen wreckage, clearly needed for a celebratory time like this. Madilyn's room and the master bedroom were basically untouched. How awesome!
Husband would also like to hug high-five the firefighter that ripped the shower curtain from the bathroom and placed it over the TV and other expensive electronics to save them from damage as much as possible. Husband's beloved PS3 and Xbox were saved. (And as much as Wife hated to admit it, she was glad as well.)
After all the damage was surveyed, Fav Family is still in need of many supplies. A lot of items (such as bath items) weren't destroyed but were severly smoke damaged. If you've ever been through a fire (or even been to a bonfire) you know how difficult it is to remove smoke. It permeates everything. Right now they are looking for cleaning, kitchen, bath, laundry, and other supplies of the like.
This is where I turn to you, Blogosphere! If you would like to make any sort of donation on behalf of this family, please email, tweet, gChat, carrier pigeon, smoke signal me and let's make this happen. I am gathering gift cards to home supply stores such as Target, WalMart, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Linens & Things, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, Publix, Winn Dixie or major credit card gift cards. If you would like to donate actual items, please feel free. I am simply trying to cut down on shipping costs as giftcards can be sent with one stamp. Also, giftcards assure you that they will be spent on appropriate and relevant items. (Many are skeptical on sending money, not that I blame you.)
I wouldn't rally for a family I didn't think was not only gracious but deserving. Wife is one of the most gracious people I have ever met. She is thankful for everything. If you decide to donate, please also include your mailing address so that we may send you a thank you in return.
Also, please keep sending them prayers and positive thoughts! Positive energy is an amazing thing. They have been so lucky so far. Let's keep up the vibes.
Thank you all in advance for any help you send! The blogosphere is full of awesome people.
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Please repost this if you are compelled to do so. Let's spread the word!
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