Picking up the pieces

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Family devastated after loss seeking help

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An early-morning fire Nov. 4 destroyed this home on Eller Branch Road.

Robbinsville – A local woman and her family are being forced to start over.

Emergency personnel responded to a call about a structure fire on Eller Branch Road around in the early morning hours Nov. 4. Fire department members dispatched to the scene arrived to find the home of Teresa Orr fully engulfed.

The incident was reportedly started when an adult in the home attempted to build a fire to warm the residence on a brutally cold morning. The family was able to escape harm via a bedroom window.

Sadly, crews were unable to save the home. The structure was torn down the next afternoon and deemed a total loss. Two vehicles and a boat on the property were also destroyed in the blaze.

As a result, the family needs assistance. Nothing was salvaged, save for the clothes on their back. The American Red Cross is assisting, but Graham County Sheriff’s Office victim witness advocate Vanessa Carpenter is looking to replenish the family’s essential needs, as the family sadly had no insurance.

However, plans are in place to rebuild a home at the location. A GoFundMe page has been set up, funds can be donated at the State Employees’ Credit Union and the Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations for any and every item you would find in a home.

Specifically, the family is in need of:

* Boys sizes 6 and 8 pants/shirts.

* Boys sizes 1 and 3 shoes.

* Men’s trousers, size 32/30.

* Men’s size large T-shirts with pockets.

* Men’s size 10/10 1/2 shoes.

* Women’s size 2x shirts.

* Women’s size 1x (20) trousers.

* Winter coats, socks, underwear in same sizes.

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If you are interested in helping, call Carpenter at 828-735-0606.