If readers would like to add to the $13,000 raised already, contributions can be made at www.gofundme.com/parsley.
It didn’t take me long after moving to the Cumming area from Upstate New York to learn that the people here in Forsyth County are friendly, charitable and the kind of folks we all want for neighbors. The tragic event of Dec. 15 proved once more that my assessment is correct.
It was on that afternoon that a fast moving early afternoon fire broke out in a home on Old Pruitt Road adjacent to the Chattahoochee River Club Subdivision in the eastern part of the county. The owner, 78-year-old Judith Parsley did not survive. Her son Eddie and his two teenaged girls who also lived there were not at home at the time.
Only ten days till Christmas and they lost a mother and grandmother and most of their possessions (and all of their gifts).
Neighbors sprang into action. First, helping the family salvage what they could from the burned-out home. Then, one neighbor using social media began collecting gift cards for the family to provide them with some semblance of Christmas and to replace the gifts that were destroyed.
Another neighbor, Andrea Ferenchik, opened a “go fund me” account on the internet to raise cash to assist the family as they try to get back on their feet. Neighbors began donating to the cause and contributions accelerated when serendipitously Andrea mentioned it at a meeting in Atlanta. Turns out one of the people in the meeting actually worked with Eddie Parsley and passed along news of the tragedy and the need for help to Parsley’s former co-workers.
Ms. Ferenchik said from that very moment she could see a spike in the rate of giving, “everybody wants to help,” she said. For Andrea the response and generosity came as no surprise because this is “just a great place to live.”
Forsyth County Fire Department Division Chief Jason Shivers said the department is still uncertain about the cause of the fire which remains under investigation, however right now everything points to it being electrical in nature.
One thing is certain, family members are both thankful and amazed at the outpouring of kindness by friends, neighbors and strangers who rallied to assist them with immediate needs and things not covered by insurance.
Donna Ezzell, the daughter of the woman who perished in the fire took to the Go Fund Me page to express her heartfelt gratitude on behalf of her family. “My brother and his girls are speechless over the incredible support and assistance the neighbors have given to us.”
Ms. Ezzell confirms what I said at the outset of this column, when a need arises the people in this community will respond.
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