Pueblo West comes together to help family after fire destroys home
The Pueblo West community is rallying to help a family after their home was destroyed in a fire on the east side of Pueblo West on Monday night.
The Pueblo West Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 400 block of Meriweather Drive at 4:37 p.m. Monday, according to Anthony Sandstrom, a spokesperson for the fire department.
Firefighters were on scene within five minutes and fully extinguished the fire Monday night. However, the blaze — the cause of which is still under investigation — resulted in a total loss of the residence, leaving a mother and son without a home.
Two cats were lost in the fire, but three dogs were recovered safely and are in the process of being reunited with the family.
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To help the displaced family replace some of what they've lost, Pueblo West residents have organized a donation drive.
Over 300 people so far have given money, items or pledges to help when the family has a home in which to put things, said Rhonda Sposato, an organizer of the drive.
"We're just getting commitments right now because they don't have a home to put their stuff in. We've had some people donate money for immediate needs — about $250 for toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and deodorant," Sposato said.
The family has also received pledges from community members for clothing, furniture and other household items.
"It's just been a community of amazing people," Sposato said of the outpouring of support.
The donation drive is seeking additional donations of day-to-day essentials until the family has somewhere to stay, Sposato said.
Anyone interested in donating can call Sposato at 719-543-7455.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter@jayreutter1.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo West fire destroys home; community organizes donations drive
