Community support can go a long way in a time of crisis. Cindy Birks, of Twiggs County, learned that after losing her home in a fire Sunday morning.
Birks says the house was vacant. She and her family were at church when they received the devastating news. "Someone came in and said our house was on fire."
"Everybody showed up in a timely manner. The policemen... the fire department... it was just a matter of minutes before they got here. They did everything that they could to save it," explained Birks.
She says she's grateful for the response from authorities, but the support from the community was surprising. Over 100 people stood outside of the home as firefighters put out the flames.
"A lot of neighbors, friends, family, churches, and pastors from all over came to support us."
She says the main level of support is coming from the Red Cross.
"That's what really touched my heart. They came out to support us more than I thought," she explained.
The Red Cross is providing a hotel for the family to stay in for now. However, there is a lot to do in terms of rebuilding their lives.
Birks says, "We're waiting now to hear from adjusters, (and) the insurance companies and we're going to go from there."
She says the Red Cross inspired her to take an action of her own. "I just know that I'm going to volunteer in some kind of way to help out."
The value of knowing how much others care can turn a loss into an inspirational gain. Birks reminds us, "Sometimes we take things for granted. When it happens to you, you know how important these charities and things are."