Helena Area News

Montana family trying to rebuild after fire destroys everything

Posted: Mar 19, 2013 8:49 AM by Melissa Anderson - MTN News

EAST HELENA - An East Helena family is in need of help after losing everything, including their vehicles, to a recent fire.

Firefighters believe the blaze started when a can of discarded cigarette butts was fanned by winds, starting the deck on fire. By the time they arrived, the flames had spread to the vehicles.

The family did not have insurance and has been staying with friends.

"It's a family of four, boys' age two and six. They are definitely needing a lot of financial help. Not only donations of clothes and furniture and stuff, but right now finances would be greatly appreciated as they are trying to find a place to live and build up house necessities and everyday things they are going to need," family friend Dani McDonald said.

An account is set up at Valley Bank in Helena where people can donate money under the name "Benefit For Toni Ring." They are looking for a home under $800 a month with at least two bedrooms.

Household Items needed include furniture, including beds. Clothing and shoes sizes: 2-3 and 8 (boy - child); 5-6 and 12 (boy); 15/16 and 8 1/2 (woman); 34/33 and 10 (man)

They could also use some toys for the children.