ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A family is Albany is thanking the community for their support and donations after a Christmas tree started a fire in their living room, destroying everything, leaving the family of six without anything.

WALB first reported that the Family of six lost their home after Christmas tree started a house fire. The house was a complete loss. The family’s four children were concerned that they wouldn’t have a Christmas because of the fire, but the Dougherty County community stepped up and provided over $700 in gifts and items essential for the family.

Nadine Byrd, CEO of Destiny 4U Counseling and training says, the mother is patient at their counseling center and says the donations have been a blessing to the entire family.

“Just with them coming on air on channel 10 and talking about the crisis that happened to them, the City of Albany poured into them in a profound way. She wrapped the gifts, someone else gave them a Christmas tree, they got furniture, appliances, washer and dryer. I just want to thank the City of Albany for how you poured into this family’s life. It’s just so incredible. It just shows the love of God, the love of the community and I want to say thank you.” says Byrd. “We’re still collecting things for this family. We still have things that they haven’t picked up yet. Albany you rock.”

Byrd says the mother was able to go back to work sooner, and the kids were able to have a Christmas that they didn’t think they were going to have. The family says they are feeling outstanding and are grateful to the community.

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