A Fulton home is a total loss after a weekend fire.
The four adults and three children, two girls ages three and seven and a five-year-old boy, living on Branch Road were not home when their mobile home caught fire Saturday night. Scott and Mary Belisle, the homeowners, were visiting their daughter in St. Charles when their home caught fire. There were no injuries, but a relative told the Fulton Sun that four pets were lost in the blaze. Central Callaway Fire Protection District Chief Greg Luebbert said the fire re-ignited on Sunday due to weather conditions.
Not only did the family lose their home and pets, but also all of their belongings inside. A local group is hoping to change that, however.
The recently-formed Callaway Pay It Forward organization, which operates online through Facebook, will take donations on Friday, July 10 at Heartland Christian Church from 7 a.m. to noon. The family is in need of the following clothing items:
•Boys clothing size 5-6;
•Girls clothing, size 7-8 and 9-10;
•Women's pants size 14 and XL shirts;
•Men's pants sizes 34 and 36 and XXL shirts.
"We're asking for anything people can donate," said Sheila Belisle, the sister-in-law of the homeowners. "(The family) greatly appreciates it - that's for sure."
Those with transportation challenges who wish to donate can call Sheila Belisle at (573) 826-8778 to coordinate a pick up.
On July 11, a rummage and bake sale will take place at the church at the same time. Clothing costs a quarter per item. Patrons who bring in hygiene products can fill bags for $2 each. Melanie Stotler, who runs the Callaway Pay It Forward organization, said the fundraiser will include a baking competition based off of Iron Chef, a popular show featured on the cable channel Food Network. Patrons can taste test the entries and vote for $3 per person.
The baking competition winner will earn bragging rights, their picture posted on the Callaway Pay It Forward Facebook page, which has more than 1,300 members, and a $25 Visa gift card. All proceeds from the event go to the family. Anyone with questions or wishing to volunteer can call Stotler at (573) 220-9832. For more information and join the group, search "Callaway Pay It Forward" on Facebook.