Community Responds As Young Family Loses Everything In Tuesday House Fire
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Nathan and Kelsey Patterson and their son, Quill, 2-1/2, lost virtually everything in a house fire on Robson Road in Winona Lake Tuesday morning.
Nathan found his great-grandfather’s pocket watch, and Kelsey recovered her jewelry box as they searched through charred remains Tuesday.
They were hoping to return later Tuesday in hopes of finding their birth certificates, but nearly all of their possessions are gone.
People are responding to the Pattersons’ loss by providing a variety of donations from coats to money, according to Kelsey’s sister, Erin Streeter, the North Manchester Public Library children’s assistant.
Kelsey was a former circulation director at the library.
“We’re still going through and processing what they need. People in North Manchester have been responsive to what they need. We got quite a few coats, but it’s hard to tell what they need,” Streeter said.
The library is collecting items for the Pattersons over the next couple of weeks. The library’s Facebook page says that among the necessities the Pattersons need are clothing, winter hats and gloves, gift cards (for food and other supplies), diapers, toys or DVDs for Quill, but all gifts are welcomed.
All items donated at the library will be dropped off to the Pattersons each night, Streeter said. Their mother and Streeter’s husband both work at Sherman & Lin’s; donations also can be dropped off there, too.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family at www.gofundme.com/patterson-family-fire-recovery. As of Tuesday afternoon, $765 of the $3,000 goal had been reached.
“They also need stuff for their dog, Brutus. They’ll accept anything, but dogs being picky, he likes Diamond brand for large dogs,” Streeter said.
She said her sister and her family are staying with their mom.
“They don’t know what they’re doing for a home right now,” she said. It was insured and she said they’ve been on the phone with the insurance company all day Tuesday. Streeter said she wasn’t sure about what the insurance would cover or do for them.
According to county records, the Pattersons purchased the home at 801 Robson Road in October. The damage estimate is a total loss, and not only included the house and vehicles, but Streeter said Nathan also lost his motorcycle.
“They’re borrowing a vehicle right now,” Streeter said.
The Winona Lake Fire Department was called to the house fire at 3:57 a.m. Tuesday and firefighters were on scene until at least 9 a.m.
The fire is believed to have started in the garage, but is still under investigation.
Before moving to Robson Road, Streeter said the family had lived on Packerton Road closer to North Manchester for five years.
