August 10, 2007

San Jose Firefighters pitch in to help single mom

San Jose Firefighters are helping a single mom get back on her feet after a fire destroyed her Evergreen home and nearly everything in it on July 31.

The woman has four children and was taking care of her nephew at the time of the fire. The children are ages 9, 5, 3 and 8 months. It was children playing with matches that caused the fire.

“The fire destroyed most everything she owned,” said Captain Craig Schwinge, public information officer for the San Jose Fire Department.

So the firemen started a drive and began collecting money, clothing, furniture and other household items to donate to the family. Since the drive started, the firemen collected more than $3,900 in cash, checks and gift cards, as well as furniture, clothing and toys.

While the Red Cross arranged immediate housing in a motel, the family—through a collaboration of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, the Emergency Housing Consortium and the city’s housing department called The Haven—now has a place to live.

“The family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of gifts,” Schwinge said.

While the drive officially ended on Aug. 7, interested parties can still send donations, clothing, furniture or toys, by contacting Schwinge at (408) 277-8784 or via e-mail at craig.schwinge@sanjoseca.gov

—By Carol Rosen