Nashville home destroyed in blaze Community quickly comes to aid of family

  • By Dave Mast
  • February 25, 2010
  • 963
                        
The horror of flames licking at their home greeted the family of Ron and Candy Gilbert of 12687 CR 316 near Nashville just after noon on Monday, Feb. 22. Before firefighters from Western Holmes Fire Department, with assistance from Paint Township and Clinton Township Fire departments, could contain the blaze, enough smoke and fire damage had consumed much of the home, as well as the attached garage. Living at the residence were eight individuals, including the Gilberts, their daughter, Christol Neels, along with five of the Gilbert’s grandchildren, three of whom are high school age, and two preschoolers. No one was injured during the fire. With a large amount of damage to the home, the community now turns its attention on aiding a family who has helped many in the area throughout the years. According to Pat Lang of the Holmes County Chapter of the Red Cross, the response to the family has been immediate. The Red Cross has provided many of the necessary essentials such as blankets, toiletries, personal items, comfort kits, and clothing vouchers. “This kind of event is extremely traumatic on a family,” said Lang. “You lose so many personal items that can’t be replaced. Fortunately, they were all safe. They are fortunate to have family they can turn to as well. That’s always comforting. But when fire hits a home, there is little anyone can do. It’s a very helpless feeling to watch your home go up in smoke.” Lang said that Red Cross’ objective is to provide necessities which help a family feel like they can return to at least some semblance of normalcy. “Getting vouchers in which they can pick out some clothing which fits them and that they like, and providing some of the little things that are personal help make the transition, “said Lang. Still, the needs are great for the family, which is why Lakeville Elementary and Nashville Elementary schools are joining in the fundraising cause for the Gilbert family. A fund has been set up at Monitor Bank in Big Prairie for those wishing to donate to help provide necessities. Candy Gilbert, a custodian at Lakeville Elementary, has always been a favorite of the students there, and the school was more than willing to do whatever possible to help the family, currently staying at the home of Candy’s brother-in-law. “Candy has always been such a positive, upbeat wonderful woman,” said Lakeville Elementary secretary Shannon Dye. “She’s continuing to stay very positive, and she is very thankful to everyone who has been so kind to the family already. It’s wonderful to see so many people in the community come to the rescue when things like this happen.” As one way of supporting the family, Lakeville Elementary will be having Caps for Candy Day, in which students can wear caps to school when they bring in donations. Dye said the school has already seen several financial and clothing donations come in, as well as food and toiletries. The school will also conduct classroom drives in which students from each different classroom will be asked to bring in specific items. If anyone is interested in donating clothing to the family, the sizes needed are: Youth girl, size 5/6; youth boy, size 8; teen boy, medium/large top, size 32/32 pants; adult male, size 2X top, 42/30 pants; two adult females, size 2X top, 20 pants; one adult female, 3X top, 22 pants. Monetary donations may be sent to: Monitor Bank, P.O. Box 98, Big Prairie 44611. Checks may be made out to the Gilbert Family Fund. One other major need for the family is a wheelchair access van for Ron, who is confined to a wheelchair. The family van was destroyed in the fire. If anyone can help in that aspect, they may contact Lang at 330-763-3351.


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