LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - On the morning of February 1st a Slaton family lost their home to a devastating house fire. Twelve days later, the community of Slaton came together to help pick up the pieces and sweep up the ashes of what was once a loving home.
"We are trying to salvage all of the tin and metal so they can take it up to Lubbock so they can salvage a little money so they can put it into a new home here which hopefully they will have soon," said County Commissioner Mark Heinrich.
St. Joseph's, Knights of Columbus, and County Commissioners came together to help out a family in need by salvaging anything that could help the Barnes family rebuild their home. "You can't even put a dollar on what it does to help our family," said Nitra Barnes.
The sound of smoke detectors saved the Barnes as they escaped from the flames a few weeks ago. Fire quickly spread throughout the house destroying what the Barnes have called home for the past 8 years.
Now, volunteers tear down what's left of the house, taking it apart piece by piece saving what is valuable, and finding a few things that are irreplaceable. "Some pictures, a money jar that was in the middle, hopefully we will be able to help them out a lot in helping them recover some of their loss," said Heinrich.
Nitra Barnes stays positive, as this is their first step in a long process. "Completely knock it all down and level it off so we can put something else here," said Barnes.
For now, the Barnes have a temporary home, but they hope to re-join the Slaton Community with their new home within the next year. "I wish I could find words to tell you how much it means for the people who have helped us. I will spend the rest of my life trying to show the gratitude that we feel. Thank you is not enough," said Barnes.
A fund has been set up to help the Slaton couple who did not have insurance. You can make a donation at any branch of American State Bank or Citizens Bank.
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