To the Editor:

On January 26, 2013, our family lost our home due to an electrical fire. Our home and all of its contents were destroyed; however, we were blessed and very fortunate that we were able to evacuate the home in time. The fire may have destroyed our property, but because of the community out-pouring of love and support, we have refused to let it dampen our heart and spirit. Mere words alone cannot express the appreciation that our family feels. From the moment that we were displaced due to the fire, we began to realize, firsthand, the generosity of our close-knit community. We truly feel proud to be residents of the City of Franklin.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the City of Franklin Fire Department and surrounding fire departments that responded, Red Cross, Comfort Inn, Franklin City Public Schools and Central Office Staff (with special recognition to my colleagues for their donations on behalf of my children), Franklin Education Foundation, Southampton Middle School for their financial donations to my daughter (with special recognition to Physical Education dept. and Mrs. Jane Stephenson), New St. Mount Holiness Church, The Anointed Prayer Room, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Southampton County and Franklin City Chapter), International Paper, Mr. and Mrs. Smithwick, Walmart, our loving neighbors, (with special thanks to Mrs. Grant, Mr. Leon Smith, and Mrs. Crockett), family, friends and everyone who made donations, whether it was money, clothing, food, shelter, or words of encouragement.

Every contribution is so greatly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. One cannot imagine the devastation of losing your entire life’s history in just a matter of minutes unless it has been experienced first-hand; the grief is horrendous. Yet, we humbly recognize that we are blessed with wonderful friends, family, and community members who have helped us begin to get our lives back on track and start overcoming this life-changing ordeal. We will never be able to repay the generosity and selflessness everyone has shown us. Please know that although we may not know each contributor personally, our words are heartfelt and expressed with much love and appreciation.

Sincerely,
Chaquita , Maurice, Amari , and Terrell
Franklin