THANK YOU

Early this Easter morning, Estrella residents coordinated to help a family after losing everything in a devastating house fire during the middle of the night.

From donations of funds, clothing, school supplies, toiletries, gift cards, food, shelter, and more... the outpouring of support in the Estrella community is priceless and much appreciated.

Ginger specifically asked us to THANK you all for your help and support. Actually, she requested a "BIG THANK YOU." Mike is quite overwhelmed, as well.

The Harmans also lost their beloved dog, Daisy, in the fire. If you know Ginger, you know her pets are her children, as well.

This is going to be a difficult few weeks... and your support is still needed. Here are some things I think might help:

• Cash. The GoFundMe account is incredible. The money will go directly to their account. But, they will not be able to access the funds for a few days. Any cash or gift cards will go a long way.
• Friends. Currently, the Harmans have neighbors and friends who will be able to help them with getting the basics squared away tomorrow. I know they are grateful for the outpouring of support.
• School support. I've talked with people today helping with Dean's uniforms and school supplies. I understand the principal has been in touch with the family, as well. I think I read somewhere that Dean's lunches have been paid for through the rest of the school year... but I would like confirmation on this. This would really help out, a lot.
  

The cause of the fire is under investigation. In fact, just tonight, workers are trying to shore up the home so they can actually get inside to see what might have started the blaze. It may be a while before anyone has any answers. The fact they got out of the house in time is a miracle.

God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and although my family has never met hers, we would consider it a huge blessing to be able to help out our neighbor! ~Anonymous Estrella Resident

To give you an idea of the scope of what has transpired today... I wanted to share some stories with you.

People I don't know... and people who do not know the Harmans... have been contacting us all day.

One family offered to help the Harmans get a car. Several families have offered up spare bedrooms in their homes. And one family even offered up their entire home, saying, "My husband and I have a vacant home here in EMR that is currently for sale. The house is completely empty but the Harman family is welcome to stay there temporarily, for free, if they would like. We don't know them personally, but ... Our realtor would be happy to change our home listing from vacant to occupied so that 24 hour notice would be given to the Harman family before home showings."

Incredible. Just incredible.

HELP IS STILL NEEDED

Learn more about the Harmans in our #FridayFeature here.

Click here to donate through GoFundMe until a bank account is established for the family. While I know some people are not fans of GoFundMe... it was the best solution I could think of on a holiday when everything else is closed. I will tell you, I spoke directly with the folks at GoFundMe this morning and they have been absolutely wonderful helping the Harmans. I have nothing but great reviews for this organization. I would turn to GoFundMe in a heartbeat. I hope I don't have to, though.

When I first saw Ginger this morning, I had no idea what I could possibly do to help. YOU all showed me what it takes to be a community and how the smallest gestures make the biggest impact.

How blessed are we all to live in Estrella and know we're surrounded by good, caring people?

Thank you.

gofundme for the harman family