The Thomas Fire is Not Messing Around, Can You Help?

We are safe and sound, as is our home. It's never even been smokey here, despite us being just a few miles away from multiple raging wildfires. The Thomas Fire has been burning for ten days now. It's named for Thomas Aquinas College, and began near there. The campus was evacuated, and the students were housed in nearby homes. One family we know took in five young men from the school, then were themselves evacuated from their home as the fires spread to Ventura County.

The parents, Nathan and Jessica Haggard, found temporary housing for themselves and their eight kids. We took in the five TAC students, which included Nathan's younger brother. That very night, the Haggard's home burned to the ground.

This is their neighborhood, as houses were engulfed.

They are all safe and well and have a place to stay, but they've lost their home and everything in it. After MUCH badgering, Jessica was convinced to make a Christmas wish list on Amazon. I teared up a bit scrolling through it, because her kids are asking for the sweetest things, the most normal things, things my kids would want for Christmas. Plus church clothes, and white socks.


I know you guys. I know how awesome and generous you all are. And I know we can get them everything on this list. Even the laser tag guns you guys. I know it would mean so much to them.

Thank you!

Edited to add . . . YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! Everything was gone in four hours! If you'd like to still contribute, you can select the option to view already purchased gists on the list, and get them a gift card.

Or you can donate to the Go Fund Me campaign created for them.

Or to the Go Fund Me campaign created for Ashley Iverson, widow of Cory Iverson, the firefighter who was killed fighting this fire. She is expecting their second daughter.

p.s. If you're doing the Nine Day Christmas Novena, it starts tomorrow!