A fire destroyed Brian and Jessica Cline's home, their cars, and all their belongings, but the Brooklyn Park couple and their infant son now have some of the basic necessities they need to get through the weekend thanks to the generosity of their neighbors and community.
"We're so humbled and grateful," said Jessica Cline, who stopped by her Georgia Avenue North neighborhood Friday to pick up donated items collected by her neighbors. "We have people we've never even met giving us money."
Thursday's fire and strong winds damanged neighbor Nick Kamp's house too, but the damage was small in comparison to what the Cline's lost, so Kamp and his wife, Chere, rallied their neighbors and community, and put out on all-call for donations via social media and with old-fashioned flyers.
"You just try to put yourself in their shoes, but they don't have shoes, so it's extremely difficult and overwhelming to even think about it," said Kamp.
Donations of clothes, shoes, gift cards, toys, and diapers filled the entry of Kamp's home Friday. They're collecting items at their 10145 Georgia Avenue North home through 8 p.m. Friday.
"They literally lost everything," said Kamp. "You just do the neighborly thing in a time like this."
Brooklyn Park fire officials said Thursday damage to the Cline's house was so extensive, investigators may never know what started the fire.
Alexandra Renslo reporting
arenslo@twelve.tv
Friday, October 05, 2012