Community members and businesses in Missoula, Mont., including Rat Pak Mini-Storage, rallied last week to provide relief for a family who lost their 11-year-old son and home in a tragic house fire on March 15. Volunteers, including a local cub scout pack, collected money, clothing, food and other household necessities that could be stored temporarily in three self-storage units donated by Rat Pak.
The relief drive started after two local mothers chatted on Facebook and decided they wanted to assist the family.
"Everybody pulls together and wants to take care of each other, said Nicole Conniff, manager for Pak Rat Mini-Storage. It's a beautiful thing, and we're very happy to be part of it."
In three days, the community raised more than $11,000 and donated nearly every item on a list of the familys needs, although organizers were still hoping to collect diapers, dishware and bed linens. Among the donations was an RV the family could use as temporary shelter.
