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Community Comes Through For Burned Out Family
By: Erich R. Ebel
12/5/2000
The Vanderholms' small trailer home burned to the ground Monday afternoon. They lost nearly everything, but when you meet them, you'll be amazaed at how they are handling this tragedy.
Eleven members of one family are homeless tonight.
The Vanderholms' small trailer home burned to the ground Monday afternoon. They lost nearly everything, but when you meet them, you'll be amazed at how they are handling this tragedy. The Red Cross on Washington is helping the family cope, and it's not only the Red Cross helping out. Friends and neighbors are all pulling together in the true spirit of the holidays.
All that 7-year-old Marcus Vanderholm remembers of his house is now crumbling ash beneath his feet.
Marcus is one of 9 children who lived here. Plus parents Don and Teena who've lost everything in this fire except their spirit. "I'm still happy because no one died and we still have a place to stay in." Neighbors and friends are offering whatever help they can, including a place to stay and clothes to wear. "A lot of love has come to our family overnight, its amazing. We have a lot of stuff because people are being really nice and giving us clothes and toys and toothbrushes."
After hours of searching, finally Teena finds something in the rubble that survived the blaze. A couple of decorations near the stand where the family Christmas tree once stood. The Vanderholms have each other.
And now they say it's time to rebuild together what they've lost this holiday. "the best thing that could come out of this is pulling this community together. that's what's going to come out of this." The family can still use some help. If you're interested you can call the American Red Cross at 326-3330. You can also donate to the "Don Vanderholm" help fund at any Bank of America branch.
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