GoFundMe for ECFPD firefighter's parents whose home was lost to fire

The fire that destroyed a home earlier this month in Elk Creek Fire's district was the home of the parents of one of ECFPD's wildland firefighters. Sadly, it wasn't the only hardship they endured last year, the father, Kenny, was diagnosed with cancer last year and lost both parents to COVID-19. If you can spare a little to support them, it would be deeply appreciated.

Fire Relief for Smith Family

Dear Friends,
We are seeking your help in the form of donations for our neighbors who tragically lost everything in a house-fire.

2020 was about as challenging a year as it gets for most people, but for Kenny and Debbie Smith, it was downright brutal. Kenny lost both of his parents to covid-19 last year and was also informed that he has cancer. They have been dealt blow after blow, and continue to show resilience as best they can, focusing on the things and family they still have. But then on the night of January 5th, there was a malfunction with their fireplace, and they suddenly had to evacuate as the flames engulfed their entire home and all of their belongings in a matter of hours. We are incredibly relieved that they were able to save their dogs, and escape with their lives. Their daughter Ashley, a college student, returns to college this week; Christopher, their son, is a wild-land firefighter living in Denver. But along with the strenuous loss of loved ones, battling cancer, and Kenny being unable to work, they are now displaced and have nothing left. Insurance is investigating and has put them up temporarily in a hotel, but it will be a long and arduous process to deal with claims and to find a new home, or rebuild.

I am reaching out to ask you to share this fundraiser with anyone and everyone who might be able to donate any sum of money, $5, $10, $20, or more, everything helps!! Gift cards to Target, or grocery stores, or donating clothing, would be greatly appreciated and you can reach out to me directly if you prefer to donate things other than money. It is highly likely that insurance will not cover the cost of their home, and while a gofundme for $20,000 is not a replacement sum, it seemed like a reasonable start to get them on their feet. We would certainly love to send them much more. But the hope is to not only raise money for the Smiths, to assist in alleviating these substantial struggles, but also to show a beacon of sympathetic outpouring from those of you who have the ability to help and the compassion and wherewithal to know how much it means to receive gifts from strangers in a time of loss. Please, if you cannot afford to donate, then share this with as many people as you can.

Thank you, in advance, for sharing, caring, and donating to a meaningful cause.

This was the fire: Fire on Gooseberry Ln