SLIDELL, La. — A Slidell house fire destroyed a family's home and killed their four pet dogs. Now neighbors are doing what they can to help.
"All of our neighbors came together. It's tough," said Stephanie Ferrell who lives across the street from the Sparks family on Starling Drive in Slidell.
The Sparks are a family of six with four kids. Wednesday they lost everything inside including their pets.
"Nothing was saved. It was the worst fire I've ever seen," said Patricia Schenck who lives next door.
No one was home at the time. 37 St. Tammany Parish Firefighters District #1 responded.
"There was flames coming out of the back of the house, 15 feet up," Schenck said.
Immediately neighbors started collecting donations.They have already received boxes of shoes and clothes for the family.
"I got bikes, games, toys," Schenck said.
The Sparks family lived in their home for 2.5 years. Their kids, three girls and a boy, range in age from 3-8. Now they are staying with family nearby.
Ferrell made a Go Fund Me Account to help the family with necessities. In less than a day it was already nearing the $7,000 goal.
"When something bad like this happens you see the good in people," Ferrell said.
Three neighbors are collecting items at their homes like clothes, standard necessities, and giftcards.
While many things cant be replaced, these neighbors are doing their part to help this family who they believe would do the same for them.
The fire is believed to be an accident, but the cause is still under investigation.
Donations are being accepted at their neighbors at 402, 405, and 408 Starling Drive as well as the Keller Williams on Gause Blvd.
Family details for donations:
Clothes for parents:
Med/Lg Womens
XL Mens
Children:
Maya: 8 year old girl, size 10 clothes
Alyssa: 6 year old girl, size 6 clothes
Brady: 4 year old boy, size 4T clothes
Aubrey: 3 year old girl, size 3T clothes
Size 6 diapers