DUFFY — An early morning fire Saturday left a family of five — including two pups — with next to nothing; however, the community has come together to help get them back on their feet.
Within days of the Sardis Volunteer Fire Department and family friends putting out the word of the family’s need for assistance on social media, members of the community came out in full force to ensure the father and his two children and two dogs had what they needed.
Kyrstin Kazemka, a family friend and organizer of the donations, has been lending her support and collecting donations for the family. She said the home was ruled a total loss after a fire, apparently started by a wood burning stove, destroyed the home at around 3 a.m. Saturday in Duffy. Luckily, the adult in the home witnessed the flames and was quickly able to get everyone out. He attempted to douse the fire with a hose but was unsuccessful. The fire department eventually was able to put out the flames, but the fire destroyed the home.
Unfortunately, the family lost their home, garage, a car and all their possessions in the fire.
Since then, Kazemka said, organizers have collected many donations and the family is now residing in a temporary, furnished residence until they can rebuild their home. She said all three people — an adult male, 7-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl — all have complete wardrobes thanks to donations.
“Where they’re staying at is the house next door where their house was — it was a rental that was open that they’re (homeowner) is letting them use. It’s been a lot of local help,” she said.
“Within 24 hours, we had complete wardrobes. It was unbelievable. In no time, people brought bags and bags. I had two complete carloads full of items. It’s been amazing to see the amount of outreach.”
Kazemka said they have collected donations from clothing, silverware and plates to furniture, toys and more for the family. Currently they are still in need of smaller household items, such as batteries, flashlights, band aids, Ziplock bags, etc.
“Things you would find in a junk drawer,” Kazemka explained. “Things you never have to go to the store and buy — rubber bands, batteries, things like that aren’t thought of.”
Other items the family needs are toys for the kids, Xbox games and non-perishable food. Kazemka said she soon plans to donate an Xbox 360 to the 7-year-old, but he will need games for the video console.
Although they are set on dog food, they still need other items like dog treats, toys and bones. Additionally, they are accepting donations of basic tools since the garage was also lost in the fire, along with all the man’s tools.
“Screwdrivers, wrenches, all that stuff is gone. I have put out there if anyone has any extra tools, even as simple as a tool driver set, those types of things, I’d like to be able to refill some of his tools,” she said.
Kazemka said they are grateful for all the support they have received in the last few days.
“Just helping, from the outside, not being affected (by the fire), it’s been amazing to hear the other communities’ stories as people come and bring stuff in and listen to things they’ve been through. It’s been heartwarming for the entire community,” she said.
Anyone wishing to donate any items listed above can drop them off at 52719 Main St. in Hannibal. Monetary donations can be made at the Ohio Valley Federal Credit Union to the “Duffy Fire Fund.”
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