After Baby's Death, Couple Seeks To Keep 3 Sisters Together In Southern Ocean

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — A local couple is seeking help after taking in three young sisters who experienced "unimaginable trauma."

The girls were at risk of being placed in foster care following the death of their 2-year-old brother, according to a GoFundMe. Read more: Baby's Death Under Investigation In Southern Ocean, Prosecutor Says

That's when Christel and Amanda stepped in, ensuring that the sisters (ages 5, 7 and 13) were not separated.

"These children have endured unimaginable trauma and live in a constant state of fight-or-flight," the fundraiser reads. The girls came to Christel and Amanda with no clothes, no belongings, feeling scared and grieving their brother.

Now, they're sharing one room, which the couple's 18-year-old daughter gave up for them. The fundraiser's goal is to raise enough money for the couple to renovate their basement, creating two bedrooms and a bathroom for the children to have a comfortable living space as they recover from years of trauma.

"Christel and Amanda aren’t asking for help lightly," the fundraiser reads. "Finishing the basement is the only way to make this new family structure sustainable. Without it, the children could be placed back into the system — and split apart."

Those unable to help financially but still wish to assist the family can help with supplying building materials, offering labor or simply spreading the word of the fundraiser.

"Every donation, share, and word of encouragement means the world to them — and to three little girls who are learning what it feels like to be surrounded by community, care, and the kind of love that helps them heal," the GoFundMe reads.

The fundraiser is at 10 percent of its goal as of Thursday morning. You can see the GoFundMe here.