PGFD Media Contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
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A Baden family lost their home and personal possessions in a house fire on Thursday evening, January 5th, and the local elementary school is stepping up to provide some relief. Among items lost was a family Christmas present, a 4-month old puppy, presumed to have perished in the fire. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damages and rendered their home on Ashbox Road uninhabitable. An adult female and her young daughter sustained superficial burns, however, are going to be OK and have made their own temporary living arrangements. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and attributed to an electrical short that ignited their Christmas tree.
The local elementary school has started a relief effort for the family even though the displaced family is not part of the school. Danielle Goddard, Principal at the Baden Elementary School, notified her staff today of the effort by email and stated;
"I'm saddened to inform you that one of our neighbors on Ashbox Road suffered a house fire last night and the family (mom and daughter) lost everything including the family's Christmas puppy. So sad!
The family is not one of our school families, but I feel compelled to offer assistance despite never meeting them.
As to not overwhelm the family with items, we'll collect gift cards (any amount, any place) and cash to assist with food, clothing, personal items and any other needs.
If you are in a position to assist, please leave your donation with Lavern or Lisa in the front office next week. We'll ensure the family receives all donations directly from Baden Elementary."
Gift card and monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Baden Elementary School, 13601 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, MD, 20613. Please do not send cash donations through the mail. Checks should be made out to CASH with a notation ASHBOX RELIEF EFFORT.
When asked why the school would get involved with a family that does not attend their school, Principal Goddard stated, "I don't know the family personally and the young daughter doesn't attend our school, but feel very strongly that local public schools serve as a community liaison especially during such a tragedy. The Baden Community is very strong in serving and we'd like to do anything possible to offer assistance. We're not sure where the family is at this time, but once mom and daughter are settled and at their leisure we'd like to deliver our donations personally."
As to not overwhelm the family with items, we'll collect gift cards (any amount, any place) and cash to assist with food, clothing, personal items and any other needs.
If you are in a position to assist, please leave your donation with Lavern or Lisa in the front office next week. We'll ensure the family receives all donations directly from Baden Elementary."
Gift card and monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Baden Elementary School, 13601 Baden Westwood Road, Brandywine, MD, 20613. Please do not send cash donations through the mail. Checks should be made out to CASH with a notation ASHBOX RELIEF EFFORT.
When asked why the school would get involved with a family that does not attend their school, Principal Goddard stated, "I don't know the family personally and the young daughter doesn't attend our school, but feel very strongly that local public schools serve as a community liaison especially during such a tragedy. The Baden Community is very strong in serving and we'd like to do anything possible to offer assistance. We're not sure where the family is at this time, but once mom and daughter are settled and at their leisure we'd like to deliver our donations personally."
Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor and all of the men and women, career, civilian and volunteer, of the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department commend Ms. Goodard, the Baden Elementary School and the Bobcat Family for their initiative in assisting a family that has suffered a tremendous loss. The Baden/Brandywine community should be extremely proud of the school and administrators for demonstrating a true spirit of compassion and giving with this Good Samaritan relief effort. The students should also be proud of their school and use this as an example of being a true member of the community.
You can follow Baden Elementary School on Twitter at BadenBobcats!
Check out their website at: http://www1.pgcps.org/baden/
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