STAFFORD – A GoFundMe and donation collections have been created for a family who lost all their belongings due to a house fire.
The Stafford Township Police, Stafford Township Fire Company, Stafford EMS, and other agencies responded to the scene on South Union Street to distinguish the flames.
Although no one was injured from the fire, the family of five was left with nothing, not able to salvage anything from the house fire. This has been another blow to the family as both Max and Maggie Cruz were employed by Scojo’s, which also recently suffered a fire and had to close.
A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for the family to help them have a solid footing and to start fresh. The organizer Rebecca Gee, who is the family’s neighbor, updated the fundraiser on January 31 increasing the goal to $15,000 after the original goal of $10,000 was already reached in just one day.
“I upped the goal to ensure that the family has enough,” Rebecca said. “I know many want to offer household goods and clothes, but the family is staying with other family members and there just isn’t room for so many wonderful donations right now. The money, gift cards, etc. will help them have rental deposits, a few months’ rent and replace/pay for necessities without putting too much burden on the relatives they are staying with currently.”
Reynold’s Garden and Floral Market Center announced that they are accepting donations to help their former employee and their family. Not only is Reynold’s Garden accepting gift card and cash donations, but they also set up a clothing truck to collect new or gently used clothes for the family.
“Their hearts are broken after all they have lost but are filled with love from our community,” Reynold’s Garden said in a statement.
The Stafford Recreation Department was able to give the entire family new coats, but the family is still in need of other clothes.
If you would like to donate any clothing items, the following sizes are needed for the family:
- Max: men’s size XL; size 38 pant; shoe size 10.
- Maggie: size large; shoe size 8.
- Kelly, age 8: kids medium; shoe size 5.
- Erick, age 6: size 7; shoe size 1.
- Arturo, age 3: size 5; shoe size 9/10.
Clothing can be dropped off Reynold’s Garden and Floral Market Center, located at 201 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin. Gift card and cash donations can be dropped off as well. If you would like to donate an amount through GoFundMe, visit the fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/help-maxs-family.
