Family Whose House Burned Thankful for 'Overwhelming' Community Support

A day after her house burned, Susan Wing described the response of her neighbors, friends, and complete strangers in Milford, as "an outpouring."

"It is overwhelming," she said.

People who live nearby have dropped off bags of clothing at a neighbor's house, some of which the Wings were wearing on Monday. Other people have dropped off cash, or gift cards to local restaurants. A teller at Bank of America, who Wing sees once a month, when she pays her son's rent at college, came out to see her.

"She showed up," Wing said, moved by the gesture. "She asked 'Is there anything I can do?' Her name is Lori."

The fire destroyed their home of 19 years, a two-story colonial with a farmer's porch. The Wings were able to salvage some of their belongings, including things that were in storage containers in the basement. But almost everything else is gone.

The family includes three children, although their 22-year-old son is away at college and was not at home Sunday. According to police, the parents led their 19-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son to safety, escaping out the back. Susan Wing said she grabbed the collar of the dog, Phoebe, on the way out the back door, usering her out.

Their 12-year-old cat, George, did not survive the fire. He was in a bedroom at the time.

On Monday, the family was taking stock of the next steps. Their youngest son returned to his school in Milford. Phoebe, the dog, is staying with a neighbor. The family is staying temporarily in a hotel in town, but will rebuild, Wing said.

"We're staying, we're definitely staying," she said. "We love the [neighborhood]."

Editor's Note: Neighbors are collecting gift cards and clothing for the family members. Donations can be dropped off at 8A or 8B Oaktree Drive. A bank account will be established in the next day or so to accept monetary donations, said Juli Johnson, a neighbor and friend.

Gift cards that would allow the family to purchase clothing and other essentials, at places such as Target, Kmart, CVS and Kohl's would be appreciated.

If people want to donate clothing, the children wear the following sizes: 17 yr old girl: XL top - varies; 11 yr old boy: 14-16 elastic waist pants, Adult small top.