Community Raises $7,300 For Couple After Tree Destroys Home

EAST KINGSTON, NH — Thanks to "significant generosity" by community members, East Kingston Fire Department has raised $7,300 to assist a family whose home was destroyed during a Nor-easter in April, fire officials said Wednesday.

On the morning of April 4, a 70-foot-long pine tree branch hit the Depot Road trailer home, causing thousands of pounds of debris to fall while its owners, Dave Scaggell and Jennie Wadleigh, and their cat were inside.

They barely escaped injury and the home was declared a total loss, forcing the trio to move in with family, according to the fire department.

"Chief Warren and other first responders opened the station as a donation center and were quickly able to provide Scaggell and Wadleigh $500, clothing, pet food, and other home supplies," the East Kingston Fire Department said. From there, the department invited the couple to the station and presented them with a check for $7,300, along with more supplies.

East Kingston Fire Chief Ed Warren said Wednesday that the community's response "reminds us of what a special place East Kingston is."

"We even had two children donate their allowance," Warren added. "People step up, no matter what their own needs are, to help someone less fortunate."