A local family has been displaced after a fire damaged their home on Christmas Eve.
Captain Anglie Holmes with the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office said the fire started around 1 p.m. in the home located at 351 Carter Rd.
Holmes said the fire department was able to save the family’s Christmas presents, but most of their personal belongings, including clothes, were destroyed in the flames.
Officials say the home is a total loss.
The fire is being ruled accidental, Holmes noted.
A victim advocate with the sheriff’s office is working with the American Red Cross to secure shelter for the family, and on Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office stated that the family was currently staying in a hotel until a long term living situation could be figured out for the family.
The family of six was able to get out of the home safely, but they are in need of clothes and shoes.
The following is a list of ages and sizes for each family member:
Female Resident, age 63:
Size: 16 (Women)
Shirt size: XL
Shoe size: 9.5
Male Resident, age 16:
Pants: 38 30 (Men)
Shirt size: XL
Shoe size: 12
Female Resident, age 14:
Pants: 4 (Women)
Shirt size: Medium
Shoe size: 9
Male Resident, age 8:
Pants: 10 (Boys)
Shirt size: Medium (Boys)
Shoe size: 5
Male Resident, age 5:
Kid size: 5T or 6
Shoe size: 12 (Kids)
Male Resident, age 3:
Size: 3T
Shoe size: 10 (Kids)
Anyone who is interested in donating shoes and clothing should contact (850) 264-3849 or (850) 322-2349 for further information on where to bring donations.
Per the Gadsden County Property Appraiser records, the home was owned by Tequilla Lockwood.
On Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office announced that a donation drive has been scheduled for Lockwood and her five children.
The donation drive will take place at the Quincy & Community Deliverance COGIC center, located at 532 South Pat Thomas Parkway, on Thursday, December 29.
The drive will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Erin Hill – Gadsden County News Service