Family Lose Home In Fire; Community Says 'Sachem Supports Sachem'

SELDEN, NY — Trish Tomaszewski was home caring for her 3-year-old granddaughter Kenzie last month when she smelled a vague burning smell outside her house. Within half an hour, the entire Farmingville home where the Tomaszweskis raised their three children went up in flames.

Trish, who works nights as a nurse at Good Samaritan hospital, her husband, Tom, daughter Celinae and granddaughter Kenzie found themselves without a home as the holidays approached and the coronavirus pandemic made housing rentals scarce. The family moved into their son's new place as they searched for a rental.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. And while the family has insurance, it's been a struggle to find suitable housing during the pandemic, Trish Tomaszewksi told Patch.

But the family was amazed at the outpouring of support they received from the community, she said. Their house was on a popular running route, and Selden Hills Warrior Training, a running club that regularly ran past the house, organized a clothing drive. Tomaszewski's hospital coworkers also rallied around her, and a family friend created a GoFundMe page for the family that has raised more than $38,000 so far.

"Everyone has been so supportive. And not just financially. There were neighbors we didn't even know coming by and bringing us shoes," she said. The family left the house barefoot to safely escape the fire, which took the family's cat.

"We've gotten things from complete strangers — I've gotten gift cards just signed 'Sachem supports Sachem,'" Tomaszewksi said.

The family had a discussion. They vowed that once they've settled down from the ordeal, they want to find a way to pay back the goodwill they've received.

"We always tried to help in little ways, but now we want to give back to the community on a greater scale, because we've been given so much," she said.