Family grateful for support after fire

SANDPOINT — Although her family was displaced from their home due to a house fire last month, Carrie Leigh Ridgwell is feeling grateful.

The fire consumed all of the family’s possessions and left them without a roof over their heads. Despite the massive setback, however, Ridgwell has been overwhelmed by the level of support from the town’s residents.

“I just really want to thank everyone that’s shown their support and helped us out throughout this situation,” she said.

The fire occurred on March 22 in a residence located at 1913 Main St.

Owned by Pastor Ken Lawrence of Sandpoint River of Life church, the structure was still standing by the time firefighters from the Sandpoint Fire Department and Sagle Fire District put the fire out, but the damage represented a total loss.

After the fire, people immediately mobilized to help the family out. Lawrence started out by helping the family get set up in temporary living situation.  

“Pastor Ken is definitely the best person I’ve ever rented from,” Ridgwell said.

Individual donations of clothing, toiletries and toiletries gave the family a measure of comfort as they hopped from staying at friends and neighbors’ homes to a Red Cross-funded stay at the K2 Inn to another stay in spare bedrooms.

2nd Wind Fitness is also helping the effort. The fitness center is also offering free boot camp classes to people who drop off non-perishable food, clothing or money. The  family can use girl’s clothing size 10 to 12 and shoes size 3 to 3.5, boy’s clothing size 12 to 14 and shoes size 6.5, men’s clothing size 2XL and shoes size 13 and women’s clothing size 8 to 10 and shoes in women’s size 7.5. Call 290-2081 for more information.

Members of the River of Life church also set up an account at Mountain West Bank called the Ridgwell Family Fire Fund. Those who place a donation to the account can rest assured that their money will do double the good, too, because church members have promised to match funds up to $2,500.

At this point, however, the funds still have a long way to go before it reaches the maximum level of match funding. Those who choose to donate can rest assured their contribution is very much appreciated.

“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received,” Ridgwell said. “This is why we live in Sandpoint.”