Mentor-on-the-Lake mother grateful family is safe after fire, appreciates donations

Nov. 28—Crystal Lane is asking for donations to help rebuild after a fire devastated the family home early this November.

On Nov. 6 one of Lane's three children told her that they saw smoke in their house on Walnut Road. Lane gathered her other children and exited their home where they saw the back of the house was covered in flames.

Lane called Mentor-on-the-Lake Fire Department, and crews quickly arrived, working to extinguish the flames.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but firefighters deduced that the flames began at the rear of the house and moved in through the garage. From there it spread into the attic.

Lane had stashed her children's Christmas presents in the attic.

The combination of fire, smoke and water damage left Lane with just the clothes on her back, her car and thankful that her three children were unharmed.

"They truly lost everything; anything that people can do to help is appreciated," said family member Stacy Molloy. "We are asking for people to help out as much as they are able to."

Lane is asking for donations of clothing, gift cards, cash or small gifts for her three boys for Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at Mentor-on-the-Lake City Hall, 5860 Andrews Road, during business hours. After business hours, donations can be dropped off securely into a black lock box inside City Hall labeled "Donations."

Additionally a GoFundMe to help the Lane family rebuild has raised over $3,000 of their $5,000 goal. Lane said that any donations are appreciated.

"The loss has been overwhelming, but we are thankful to all be safe," she said. "We are so thankful to those who have donated to the GoFundMe or dropped gift cards and cash at Mentor-on-the-Lake City Hall to help us get the basics to start over."