A state senator representing East Cobb is rallying the community to help a family in her neighborhood who lost their home to a fire.
Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick launched a fundraiser on Facebook for the Schneider family after their home was destroyed April 27.
The fire was reported at 11:42 p.m. in the Ashebrooke subdivision off Roswell Road. Firefighters from Station 20 arrived at the scene six minutes later and were able to get the blaze under control by 12:31 a.m.
According to a report released by Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, the family of six and their dog escaped the blaze without any injuries. The fire did an estimated $850,000 in damage, according to the report.
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Kirkpatrick said she has known the family for 25 years, and was out of town when she “got the terrible news” about the fire.
“They really were very reluctant to let anybody do anything, but I told them people are going to want to help and they need a direction to go,” Kirkpatrick said.
Kirkpatrick is hoping to raise $7,500 for the family. As of Thursday morning, more than $5,000 has been contributed. Any money not used by the family will be donated to the American Red Cross Fire Relief Fund.
The Schneiders are now staying in the home of one of their adult children, who is out of town. Along with the monetary donations, the Schneiders have received material items such as clothing and food from the connections they’ve made in the community.
Kirkpatrick said the monetary donations will be used for short-term expenses until the family can get the ball rolling on the paperwork related to insurance claims. The senator also said she’s been amazed at the power of social media in how swift the response has been to her campaign.
“It’s impressive being able to get the word out for people who need the help quickly,” she said.
You can consider making a donation by visiting the fundraising campaign page on Facebook.
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