An Addison family burned out of its home is learning just how much love and support there is in their community.
‘I just can’t believe it,? said Bonnie Taffs. ‘It gives you a whole new outlook on everything.?
Leonard Elementary’s staff and students spearheaded a fund-raising effort to help Taffs and her grandson, second-grader Tyler Cassavoy, get back on their feet following a Feb. 24 fire which destroyed their home at 725 Freedom Lane, just west of Hagerman Road.
An account to collect tax-deductible contributions for the family was set up at Oxford Bank.
‘I’m sure we’ve collected over $2,500,? said Leonard Principal Joyce Brasington. ‘They’ve been wonderful at the Oxford Bank. People can stop at any branch office and make a donation to the family of Ty Cassavoy.?
In addition to devastating the house, the accidental blaze claimed the lives of several pets and destroyed a majority of the family’s belongings.
‘It’s just so heartbreaking,? Brasington said. ‘They lost everything.?
As if that wasn’t bad enough, the fire happened the day before Cassavoy’s eighth birthday, so his gift from grandma ? a special laptop computer designed to help with reading and spelling ? was also destroyed.
‘It’s just crushing,? Brasington said. ‘It’s amazing what some families have to endure.?
Taffs and Cassavoy are currently living in Washington Township at a place being paid for by the insurance company.
Although her home of 17 years was insured, Taffs said she was told it will take anywhere from six to seven months before any money is released.
‘It’s amazing the red tape,? Brasington said. ‘In the meantime, they have no one to support them.?
That’s why Leonard Elementary stepped in and recently held a Hat Day fund-raiser, which generated $1,400. On top of that, the school’s PTO contributed another $300.
Brasington said people have also been dropping off toys and clothes at the school.
‘It’s heartwarming how people have stepped up even in difficult (economic) times,? she said. ‘There’s just been an outpouring of support from the community ? people calling and asking how can they help.?
‘Everyone’s been so awesome to Ty,? Taffs said. ‘They’ve given him clothes and toys and replenished almost everything that he lost. I could never thank these people enough.?
The Addison Township Firefighters Association donated $600 to Taffs and Cassavoy.
People have even been donating gasoline cards because everyday Taffs has to drive her grandson back and forth between Leonard Elementary and their temporary home in Washington Twp.
‘It’s a little bit inconvenient, but the school’s been so good to Ty and he just loves it there, so I don’t mind a little bit of inconvenience,? Taffs said.
‘I just want to thank everybody for everything they have done and let everybody know they’re always in my prayers,? she added.