Crime & Safety

How to Help Families Who Have Lost Homes to Fires

Two homes were destroyed by fires in the last week.

House fires one week apart ravaged the homes of two area families, but the community members are doing what they can to help.

On Tuesday, the  at 12920 Francis Road, and just one week earlier the  in New Lenox Township.

More information will certainly come regarding the Richter family and what they need, but in the meantime, the New Lenox Fire Protection District is accepting donations of clothing and shoes. The mother wears size 14 pants, an extra-large shirt and size 8.5 shoes; one son wears size 34 pants, a medium shirt and size 10 shoes; and the other son wears a size 36 pants, large shirt, and size 11 shoes.

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In just a week, community members and friends of the Paffords have stepped forward to raise money and collect donations. Here's how you can donate to the Pafford family:

New Lenox Fire Protection District

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you have any questions call at 815-463-4500. They are especially in need of clothing and shoes. Gift cards are also welcome to purchase clothing.  Sabrina Pafford, 12, is 4-foot-2 and wears a size zero in junior pants, a small shirt and size 7 shoes. Devin Pafford, 16, is 6-foot-1 and wears a 32 waist and 34 length pants and a large shirt.

The mother, Laura, wears size 14 pants, a large shirt and size 7 shoes. The father, Jeff, wears size 32 waist and 34 length pants, a large shirt and size 10 shoes.

Harris Bank Account

At all Harris Bank locations, donations may be made to a special bank account that has been set up in the Pafford's name. If you would like to donate, please go to any Harris location and deposit money into the Jeff and Laura Pafford Fund.

Family Friends Chip In

Tim Howe, a high school friend of Laura Pafford's, set up a PayPal account through his website and is collecting donations for the family. Those who would like to make a donation by credit card can do so on his website.

Peace Lutheran Church

The Paffords belong to Peace Lutheran Church, and donations of cash or gift cards may be made to the church. You can reach the church at 815-485-5327.

Lincoln-Way Central High School

Devin Pafford attends Lincoln-Way Central, and classmates have rallied around him so far. The Lincoln-Way Central football team, Student Council, Junior ROTC, and Social Science Department have all collected donations, food and clothing for the family.

If you are interested in making a donation through Lincoln-Way Central, e-mail Principal Steve Provis at sprovis@lw210.org. 


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