Orchard students raise money for family who lost possessions in house fire

It took more than 30 students to carry out all the donations made Friday to a family whose house burnt down last month.

Mark Hoffmeister, his wife, Angie, and their children, Morgan, 9, and Megan, 6, lost their possessions in a Jackson house fire Dec. 28.

Rhonda Farrow, Morgan's third-grade teacher, and Desera Nations, Megan's kindergarten teacher, sent letters home to Orchard Elementary parents explaining the situation.

More than $1,200 was raised, and the foyer of the school became filled with comforters, food and games.

"This is the way we've always been. The community's always been real supportive of each other," Nations said.

Elmer D. Mansfield, the state coordinator for Toys for Tots, also presented the family with a bag of toys, including board games, a karaoke machine and dolls.

"It's overwhelming, one of those things you never expect. But it's amazing," Mark Hoffmeister said after accepting the donation.

Toys for Tots is usually associated with Christmas giving. But Mansfield said a record-breaking year left him with extra toys, allowing the Marine Corps Reserve to give those toys to families in need throughout the year.

The Hoffmeisters were able to recover little from their house, Farrow said. Firefighters told Mark Hoffmeister they think a spark from their fireplace landed on their sofa and started the fire, he said.

"We were gone about 15 minutes. My cousin spotted it and called," he said.

Now the family lives in the basement of Mark Hoffmeister's parents while their insurance company estimates repairs.

Often a family has to concentrate money on replacing basic necessities and can't spend extra buying toys, Mansfield said, sparking Toys for Tots to get involved.

In addition to the help from the school and the Marine Corps Reserve, Mark Hoffmeister said a neighbor collected donations for the family as well.

Nations said the girls returned to school after the holiday break and have been resilient.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123