Albion Lions Club donates to help family whose home burned down on Christmas
Benefit planned for Saturday at Elks to assist Carr family
ALBION – Fonda and Don Carr said they continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the community following an early morning explosion at their home in Barre on Christmas.
The couple feels lucky to have escaped without serious injuries. Their house on Wilkins Road was engulfed in flames at about 4 in the morning.
The Carrs lost all of their possessions. The community has responded, giving more than $25,000 through a GoFundMe, and making other donations. The Albion Lions Club on Friday gave the Carrs a check for $1,000.
This Saturday, a chicken barbecue and basket raffle with four bands performing will be from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Elks Club, 428 West State St. The event will provide additional support for the Carr family, who did have homeowners’ insurance.
Mrs. Carr, a long-time substitute teacher for Albion and Medina, and Mr. Carr, a retired mechanic and operator from Iroquois Rock Products in Brockport, are staying in an apartment in Albion.
They are eager to rebuild at their property in Barre. The site needs to be cleared before a house can be built.
“People have been absolutely wonderful,” Mrs. Carr said. “Both of us are overwhelmed with the generosity, and the love and support that have been shown to us.”
The four bands performing on Saturday include The Who Dats, Eagle Creek, Chris Moore and Distant View.
Many people have also contributed to the baskets that will be up for raffle.
“I hope someday we can repay the favor,” Mrs. Carr said. “It’s a wonderful community we’re in. We’re very grateful for our family, friends and people we don’t even know who have helped us.”