Fundraiser Set Up After Holliston Foster Home Destroyed In Fire

HOLLISTON, MA — Local residents are raising money to help a family whose home was destroyed in a fire on Monday. The 1004 Washington St. house had been home to hundreds of foster children over the years — including two who escaped Monday's fire.

Homeowners Bob and Edna Touchette have fostered some 300 children at their Holliston home since the 1970s, according to news reports.

"One of the most poignant things I heard yesterday was, 'It wasn’t a foster-home, it was a home that welcomed fosters,'" family member Lucinda Touchette said in a GoFundMe appeal. "I am so grateful for my family and the support we have all been shown. It is a lot to process."

The family is trying to raise $250,000 to support the family, who lost all their belongings in the fire. No one living in the home was seriously injured in the fire, and everyone — includng pets — made it out safely.

Edna Touchette told WCVB that the family plans to rebuild the home. The fundraiser had reached over $140,000 as of Wednesday morning.