Updated: Donation Websites Help Displaced Rolf Road Families
Fundraiser launched after fire that destroyed two Plainfield homes on Wednesday.
Photos
Updated at 6 p.m. June 29
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After the June 27 fire that swept through two Plainfield homes, community members were quick to offer help, taking to Plainfield Patch’s Facebook page with one big question: What can I do to help?
Now, relatives and friends of the displaced families has set up a donation site as a way to help the Plainfield residents rebuild.
All that’s left of the home at 23648 Rolf Rd. is a chimney, fireplace and ashes.
The house was home to Laurie Rickmon, son John, sister Rieta Neu and niece Lauren Neu.
“Everyone is safe and sound, but they lost photos, heirlooms, clothes, toiletries, glasses ... everything,” Erin Rickmon-Swan, daughter of Laurie Rickmon, wrote on the Help After the Fire donation site. “Big things will be replaced in time, but they will need help with the little things.”
Already, community members have been making donations on the site.
The family's church, St. Mary Immaculate, 15629 S. Route 59, is also serving as a drop-off site for donated items.
"The family is in shock and disbelief right now and cannot at this time pinpoint what they need in terms of specific items," said Suzy Lewandowski, whose husband is Rickmon's nephew. Eventually, she said, the family plans to temporarily rent apartments, and will then be able to accept donations of clothing.
For now, gift cards to area stores to purchase toiletries and other essentials are most needed.
Despite their loss, the family has been encouraged by the community’s willingness to help.
“The amount of support my family and I have already felt is overwhelmingly awesome,” Rickmon-Swan said.
To make a donation, click here.
Kazak family fundraiser
A donation site has also been established to benefit Don and Cathy Kazak and daughter Samantha, who lost not only their home, but their beloved family pet in the fire.
Organizers posted this on the fundraiser website:
Thankfully no people were injured in this tragedy but the family cat, Mia, did pass away in the fire. They are now left without their home which they had lived in for over 25 years. They have lost clothes, photos, heirlooms, toiletries, basically everything. They are staying in the best spirits as possible but life is hard right now.
To donate to the Kazak family fundraiser, click here.
Check back with Patch for more information on other ways to help as information becomes available.
READ MORE ON THIS STORY FROM PATCH:
Fire Department: Cause of Rolf Road Blaze Undetermined
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Jeff
1:15 am on Saturday, June 30, 2012
Omg thank god no one was hurt and the family will be in my pryars
Lynn Loh.
11:00 am on Saturday, June 30, 2012
They don't have homeowners insurance to replace their belongings? A good company like State Farm usually cuts an emergency check to the family right away. I really hope they have good insurance to help them get on their feet. I know photos cannot be replaced but at least they are alive. Best wishes to the family.