SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP -- Two families in Schuylkill County are homeless after a fire destroyed a double home on Sunny Lane in Mary D on Sunday.
"We're safe. Our family's out. We're alive," said Jody Denning, who lived in the home. "We're safe. We're together. Our neighbors are safe. Everything else can be replaced."
Denning, her husband Jeremy, kids Destini and Jacob, and their disabled grandmother lived on one side of the double home. Pete and Ida Kutash lived on the other side.
Everything inside the homes was destroyed in the fire.
"It's terrible. They lost everything. Everything they own is gone, the cars, his motorcycle, everything," said Mike Beaver of Tamaqua.
Denning had just finished Christmas shopping on Saturday.
"Heartbreaking to see everything that we worked for gone," said the fire victim.
There is a bright side for these families and that has been the support from people in the Tamaqua area.
"The community is amazing. I don't know where to start. I don't know how we could ever thank everybody for everything that they have done for us," said Denning.
In less than 24 hours, friends of the families organized three donation centers: one at the Schuylkill Township building, one at the East End Fire Company in Tamaqua, and one at Ziegler's Auto Repair in Hometown.
It's all in an effort to help the families out, right before the holidays.
"The community really came together. I'm proud."
People have already dropped off things like toys, clothes, and even cash for the families.
"We have a check from somebody, so it's going. They've already set up a spaghetti dinner already," said Beaver.
The families say they do have insurance and hope to rebuild.
"I couldn't think of a better place to live than right here," said Denning.
Officials said the fire is ruled accidental and started in the kitchen.
If you want to help, you can donate to the families on this Go Fund Me account.
You can also donate at Wells Fargo Bank. Mention “Mary D Sunny Drive Fire Victim Fund." Donations can also be mailed to Wells Fargo Bank at 17 West Broad Street, Tamaqua PA 18252.
