How to Help the Family Whose House Was Leveled in Explosion

Some might call the Klimala family "lucky"—no one was hurt when their home in the 700 block Lambeth Lane near New Lenox was leveled in an explosion Monday afternoon. 

But the loss of their home, and almost everything in it entirely, has rendered owners Frank and Natalie and their family in need of basic necessities, in addition to some luxuries for younger family members. The family and its five children, ranging from 2 years old to 19 years old, were not home at the time of the explosion. The family cat, turtle and lizard did not survive.

Friend of the family Julie Quinn has sprung into action and spearheaded a collection—including toys for boys ages 3 and 10—as well as other household items. 

"Anything that is donated will not be turned away," Quinn said. "If I was in this situation, I would want for someone to step up. Every little bit helps." 

Items sought include:

• furniture: couches, kitchen tables, etc.
• gift cards: Walmart, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, restaurants
• toys: geared toward boys, ages 3 and 10 

“We are happy everyone is OK. We have life," Frank Klimala’s sister Joyce Zelazik, told Sun-Times reporters Monday. "We can always build another house.

“There’s nothing. ... As long as they’re OK, everything else can be replaced.”