Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Richard Piatt Reporting A family whose house caught fire in Clinton this week is both devastated and thankful. Since Eyewitness News first reported the fire and its impact, dozens of people have stepped up to help.
A box of pictures, a pair of shoes, a portrait of a mother with a daughter who died of cancer, these are among the first items salvaged from the Lawrence home in Clinton.
Marilyn Lawrence, Home Burned Tuesday: "I had my third child there. I've lost three loved people there and a lot of good memories there."
Marilyn Lawrence was at work when she found out her house was on fire. Intense heat and smoke practically gutted the home Tuesday morning. Everyone inside had gotten out unharmed, but initially, it looked like Christmas was ruined for the family. The loss was unbearable.
Marilyn Lawrence: "You have to do it, and it's going to happen. And it's hard because some of the memories you have, but they're going to have to be."
But since then, friends, family and total strangers have donated money. At the Clinton Albertson's, where daughter Amy works, there are donation jars at every check stand.
People are also handing the family cash. There are also pledges to help rebuild, for furniture and more.
Amy Lawrence, Daughter: "I just told my neighbor, I just want to go to my friend's."
Tough emotions aren't new to Marilyn. She's lived through the death of two children, and her husband who was electrocuted on the job ten years ago. Four of her children are learning disabled.
The family also believes grandson, six-year old Craig, started Tuesday's fire in a bedroom. He burned his feet trying to stomp it out.
With the help of others---and her own strength--she vows to survive again.
Marilyn Lawrence: "You just get up and you go because if you don't, you're going to be an unhappy person for a lot of years."
The Lawrence family plans to rebuild on this spot, try to salvage as much of the house as they can. Marilyn says there are a lot of memories here and she can't move on. There are plenty of friends and family who are willing to help make that happen.
The family has no medical insurance. Damage is estimated at 30-thousand dollars.
A fund has been setup at any Golden West Credit Union under Marilyn Lawrence.
