Residents of a local neighborhood are coming together to help a family they say lost everything in a house fire.
Avery Jackson told Action News Jax she went running to the home on Ardencroft Drive when she heard sirens Wednesday night.
“There was just smoke and you could see it against the sky,” she described.
She discovered the mother, daughter, grandson, and their two dogs had made it out safely.
Jackson said the 9-year-old boy escaped through an upstairs window with a safety ladder.
She explained the three can no longer live in the home they were renting because of damage from the electrical fire.
Neighbors started collecting necessities to replace those lost in the flames.
“I feel for them. I’ve been through it. I’ve had a fire in college and it’s hard – that’s why we’re helping,” Theresa West said.
Jackson said the family is staying in a hotel and it will be months before it can get back in the home.
“Someone’s holding a bed. I’ve got a couch for them. Two folks are looking for new places for them to live as we speak,” she said Thursday.
The neighbors are collecting the following items, which can be dropped off at 2132 Ardencroft Drive:
- Gift cards (Publix, Walmart, TJ Maxx, etc.)
- Easy-to-cook food
- Pots and pans
- Plates, bowls and cups
- Silverware
- Size XL clothing for mom
- Size 6, medium/large clothing for daughter
- Size 10 for little boy
- Toys for 9-year-old (action figures, Star Wars, Legos)
- Blankets
- Dog food
- Dog beds
- Dog toys