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Crime & Safety

Community Rallies to Help Family Affected by House Fire

When a fire destroyed the home of a Shelby Township family on Feb. 3, many people in the community offered their help. Roberts Elementary School was one of the first to participate in the effort.

A fire that destroyed a Shelby Township home has brought together a community.

Just before midnight on Feb. 3, the Shelby Fire Department received a call from a family stating that their house was filling with smoke. David and Andrea O'Brien and their three children were asleep when a fire of unknown origin started in a hallway of their home on the 5000 block of Howe Street near Ryan and Auburn.

The family escaped without injury, although Andrea was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, said Shelby Fire Chief Gene Shepherd.

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The O’Brien children attend nearby Roberts Elementary School. When Principal Christine Ferber got a call from the mother telling her the children would be out of school for a few days because of the tragedy, Ferber said she was devastated.

"They are a really nice family. The mom is involved and supports the kids," she said. 

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Ferber, along with the school's PTO, immediately got together to help the family. Staff and parents started a collection of clothes, coats, shoes and more. "We had stuff pouring in," said Ferber. Within just a few days, the O’Brien family was no longer in need of clothing for their children.

The school still receives calls from people in the community wanting to offer their help. "Just the other day, a gentleman called to offer a television," said Ferber. 

PTO President Villary Campbell said the family needs monetary donations and gift cards the most now.

"Our Roberts family did not hesitate when they heard the news and began rallying their efforts at once," said Campbell. "Roberts has a lot of great parents and children, and will help in every way. I am very proud of our school for stepping up and going to the need of another family."

Angela Larsen, a parent from the school and neighbor of the family, also wanted to do her part. With the help of her good friend and bowling alley owner Pat Kline, Larsen organized a fundraiser for the family. The event is set to take place on Feb. 27 at Van Dyke Bowl in Sterling Heights.

Larsen hopes for a successful gathering of the community. "Hopefully we'll raise a lot of money for the family which will help get them back on their feet."

The bowling fundraiser is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. For $20 per person, members of the community receive three games, shoe rental and a prize. For more information about the event or to donate, contact Angela Larsen at      586-615-9350.

Roberts Elementary is still accepting donations of cash and gift cards on behalf of the family. The school is located at 2400 Belle View Drive in Shelby Township. Call 586-797-6100 for more information. 

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