Seven Fields family seeks donations after losing home to fire
A Seven Fields family that lost its home to a fire on Friday morning, Nov. 8, is accepting donations as they navigate through uncertain times.
Vern Davis, along with his wife, Karen Rasmussen, and father-in-law, John Rasmussen, all escaped the home uninjured and are requesting help after relocating to a local hotel.
The family primarily is seeking gift cards — especially from Walmart, Target, Amazon and Visa — and various clothing items, including shirts, sweatshirts, pants and winter coats.
Oil & Vinegar, a gourmet grocery store at 522 Northpointe Circle in Seven Fields, has been designated as the drop-off point for people who want to help.
The store’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. People seeking to donate can call to make arrangements if donation drop-off is not possible during business hours. The store will collect gift cards indefinitely but can take in clothing only through Saturday, Nov. 16.
In addition to personal necessities, Davis managed a cat shelter out of the home and is seeking to rehouse some of those animals.
“I picked up strays over the years, and without that house, there is no shelter anymore,” Davis said. “They’re all fixed and healthy. To anybody who would want to adopt a middle-aged cat either temporarily or permanently, that’s just what I’m struggling with the most currently.”
After losing two vehicles in the blaze, the family is in the market for a reliable vehicle at a reasonable price. Davis also mentioned that an older generation iPad would help immensely moving forward.
He also wanted to thank those who have and continue to help his family.
“Aside from the first responders, who were great, I’d really like to thank people on our street, the animal people who have came out of the woodwork, the Super 8 Motel on Sheraton Drive, Angela from Oil & Vinegar, one of the hospitality workers at Chick-fil-A for providing a bunch of meals, and the greater community who have responded greatly, including the Butler Eagle,” Davis said.