Family starts over after home lost to Almeda fire

Editor’s note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or agency who could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need.

This father, 40, lost his construction job in April amid cutbacks connected with the coronavirus. Then, in September, his family lost its home in the Almeda fire.

These parents of two young boys have begun to rebuild their lives after staying in a hotel. Since moving into a new home in Medford, they received plenty of donated furniture. Family Nurturing Center in Medford also assisted with some of the family’s basic needs and provided them with some comfort items, says Desirae Anthony, the center’s development coordinator.

Yet this family still lacks many household goods, namely small appliances and kitchen equipment, such as a microwave, blender, pots, pans, dishes and flatware. Gift cards for purchasing these items also would be appreciated.

The Spanish-speaking mother, 42, loves to cook and requests fresh vegetables when she communicates with the center’s bilingual staff, says Anthony.

The younger son, 5, attends the center’s therapeutic preschool. He wears size 10 clothes and size 1 shoes. He adores the Disney Junior series “PJ Masks,” particularly the “super fast” character Gekko.

The older son, 10, wears men’s large clothing and size 6 shoes. He would enjoy any outdoor play things and sports equipment, such as a basketball or a scooter.

To help, call Desirae Anthony at 541-531-0800 or email desirae@rvfnc.org

Source: Mail Tribune