Crime & Safety
'We Lost Everything': Fundraiser For Family Of 8 Who Lost Home In Fire
The Bay Area family escaped with the clothes on their backs. Their beloved cat died in the flames.
SAN LEANDRO, CA — Oscar Vasquez has reached out to the community for help after his family home was destroyed by fire last week. Eight people made it to safety but their cat did not make it out.
They also lost their possessions.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cat Killed As Fire Damages San Leandro Home
"My name is Oscar Vasquez, and I am the father of two beautiful boys, Nathan and Benji," an appeal on Go Fund Me begins. "They’re our little ones, me and my wife’s greatest treasures. And this past Monday, we nearly lost them."
Vasquez describes how his wife, Odalis, awoke and discovered the fire. "It’s by the grace of God that she woke up and we were able to safely make it out. But with just the clothing in our back, we lost everything. Our family cat that we’ve loved for so long, didn’t make it. We didn’t have time to go back and that will forever hurt us."
Vasquez wrote that he and his wife spent years accumulating their belongings, but everything was gone in an instant. Now, he is hoping that people reading this appeal will help. "We ask that you please help with anything you can. If a dollar, greatly appreciated, if a prayer, all are welcome. From the bottom of our heart, thank you."
If you would like to help the Vasquez family, the Go Fund Me page is open for donations.
According to the Alameda County Fire Department, eight people were displaced by the fire — five adults and three children.
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