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HIGHLAND -- Neighbors in Highland are coming together to help a family who lost everything they own in a house fire. Now a new friend is using the Internet to recruit support.
When the home went up in flames 10 days ago, neighbors came rushing out of their houses to see what was happening. Few people knew that the home was occupied.
"I met them for the first time the Monday after the fire. Most of the people in the neighborhood didn't know there was anyone even living there," said neighbor Crystal Brinkerhoff.
She continued, "When you see someone's house burning down, especially when it is so close, just across the field, it made me feel really bad for them, just knowing all of their stuff is being destroyed."
When Brinkerhoff did meet Tom and Leah Abbott, it was the first time she had ever talked to them after moving next door a year earlier. But finding they are both disabled and had lost everything they owned, with no renter's insurance for their property, she and other neighbors turned to the Internet to find the Abbotts some support.
She started highlandhousefire.blogspot.com and ever since, community members have stepped up to donate furniture and other household items.
Suddenly, the Abbotts' outlook has changed. "They were just trying to survive, moment by moment, was what she kept saying. They didn't know what to do the next few minutes, much less the next couple of days, and now I think this week has been a good turnaround for them, and now they've got a plan," Brinkerhoff said.
The Web site is helping Highland residents to get to know the Abbotts, who were put into a motel by the Red Cross and now have somewhere to stay in Highland. Tom Abbott is also preparing for kidney surgery later this week.
Neighbors say as devastating as the fire was, they are glad they have made new friends and can help their friends get back on their feet again.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
