Community Corner

Community Rallies Around Woonsocket Fire Victims

In just a few short days, $10,000 has already been raised on a GoFundMe page set up shortly after the fire.

The Woonsocket community is rushing to help a local family that lost everything in a devastating fire earlier this week.

In just a few short days, $10,000 has already been raised on a GoFundMe page set up shortly after the fire.

The page was set up by resident Michelle Grenon, who said the victims of the fire are close friends and devoted Woonsocket residents with deep ties to the community.

"They are an amazing family and are now in need of a bit of help themselves. Please help raise money for the replacement of thier clothing, furnishings, etc and funds for a place to stay during this difficult transition time. This family and everyone in it mean the world to me," Grenon said.

The fire victims, the Heroux family, represent the true meaning of good citizenship.

Kathie and her Husband Mike are raising three girls and Kathie has been a Girl Scout leader. Mike has been a Scoutmaster for 14 years and made it through three Army deployments. They both have volunteered for the Woonsocket Schools music program and Hearts with Hope, to name just two causes.

Daughter McKayla is studying to be a medical assistant and is the mother of two herself. Daughter Alexia plays in the WHS band. Daughter Hayley started her own business, Cupcakes First, and donates a portion of her proceeds every month to the She's The First organization, which supports first-born children with their efforts to become the first to graduate from secondary school.

"Kathie and her husband have been there for every neighborhood kid who needed a snack or a place to crash or just someone to talk to," Grenon said.

The fire broke out in their Louise Street home on June 5, reaching three alarms and bringing firefighters from five neighboring towns to assist Woonsocket firefighters.

Twelve people were inside the triple-decker when the fire broke out but everyone made it out in time, though one pet did die in the fire.

Twelve firefighters were hurt in the fire, though none suffered life-threatening injuries.

Mike is a full-time member of the Rhode Island National Guard's 115th Military Police Unit.

If you'd like to make a donation, click HERE: http://www.gofundme.com/9ytpz8


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