Neighbors rally to help family whose house burned

Donations can be made at any local Sky Bank.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- A city family recently lost everything in a fire, but a group of neighbors is determined to help them get back what they can.
City firefighters spent hours battling flames Wednesday evening at the Saul Drive home of David and Violet Humphries. Fire Chief John Clemente said the fire had been burning for some time before crews arrived.
When the fire was finally extinguished and the hoses turned off, the house was a complete loss. Clemente said the fire started in the basement and ripped through the entire ranch-style home.
Vicky Barton, the Humphries' daughter, said the family is happy that no one was injured, but the fire took all the family's clothes and possessions. Antiques and family heirlooms also were lost.
Norman Bayus has lived four doors down from Humphries and has been a family friend for 33 years. He stood alongside the family and watched the house burn, but decided he wanted to also be a part of the family's plans to rebuild their lives.
"They have been good people, and they were left with nothing," he said. "Anything we can do, we want to help them."
Account opened
Bayus and a couple of other neighbors collected $225, walked into Sky Bank and opened a checking account in the family's name. They are asking the community to donate to the Humphries Fire Relief Fund at any local Sky Bank. The family can write checks and draw from the account.
Neighbors also have established a place for material donations. Anyone with any goods the family can use can take those items to the First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard on Westview Avenue.
Bayus said the Humphries' two grandchildren living in the home lost everything including clothes and Christmas presents. One of the children is a baseball player and lost all her equipment.
"We just want to help get them back on their feet," Bayus said. "We know we can't replace everything. Some material things are lost, but friends do for friends."
jgoodwin@vindy.com