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Pocono News Section
Santa Brings Toys to Fire Victims
Santa Brings Toys to Fire Victims - Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 4:38PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 @ 04:38pm EST
TAMAQUA, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- Santa Claus and a couple dozen helpers showed up to deliver toys and other donations to the Valentine family one day after they lost everything in a fire.
"To tell you the truth, wow, wow," said Michelle Valentine, mother of eight. "They saved us."
Michelle Valentine and her family were amazed with donations contributed by emergency personnel and people they don't even know.
"Oh, it's so fast, the help. They did wonderful," said Valentine. "They actually got me everything, everything to be able to survive."
Once police and firefighters knew eight children would be without a Christmas, they acted fast.
"Gifts coming in, money coming in, literally within minutes of us starting this," said Scott Cramer with the Coaldale Police.
"My heartfelt thanks goes out to the people to everybody involved," said Coaldale Police Sgt. Keith Krapf. "This is amazing, amazing."
Just 24 hours earlier, the Valentine family escaped flames at their home on Washington Street in Tamaqua. Their 13-year-old daughter, Daisy, was home babysitting when the fire started.
"The whole room was all caught on fire, so I got scared," said Daisy. "I ran and got my brothers and ran right out."
"When I first came home from school, I was thinking that it was someone else's house," said 11-year-old David Valentine. "Then, I saw it was mine. And I just burst into tears."
They lost two pets, and everything they owned. But the Valentines are grateful for their lives and the community's support.
"How they helped, it's just so awesome," said David.
If you'd like to contribute clothes, appliances, or other necessities, you're asked to contact the Salvation Army in Tamaqua at 668-0410.
If you'd like to make monetary contributions only, you can contact Lori Lewis of the Tamaqua Girl Scouts at 610-462-2884. | | |
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