WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — One Houston County family is picking up the pieces after a fire gutted their home on Monday.
They're starting over from scratch, but are very thankful for all the help they've received from complete strangers since.
Horace Everett said the Monday of the fire started off like every other Monday.
"Get ready to watch TV and got in the shower and that's when everything happened," Horace Everett said.
They moved into their rental home on GA-247 about two months ago. One moment they were winding down for the evening, and the next moment they were outside with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"Only thing we could do just go side of the road; just watch everything that we accomplished just burn down," Horace Everett said.
They had five children who were home at the time, including an 18-month-old.
Sherabia Everett said they're trying to stay strong for their kids.
"I just let them know, it's material things. We'll get it back. I just continuously tell them, it's okay, things happen for a reason," she said.
When their family friend Slate Simons found out what happened, he started collecting donations at his business.
"It's been absolutely overwhelming. People have come from everywhere to be able to help these- this family," Simons said.
The Everett's said they could cry thinking about how many people have stepped up to help.
"The support has been awesome. Everybody that has, that has had an input. I appreciate y'all, we appreciate it," Sherabia Everett said.
They've moved into a temporary rental and just want to get their kids back into their old routines.
The Houston County Fire Department said they're still investigating how and where the fire started. The Everett's are accepting all household items to help them rebuild.
They especially need pots and pans, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, bathroom necessities, towels, and washcloths.
Attached below are the children's clothing and shoe sizes.
If you'd like to help, donations can be dropped off in Warner Robins at any of these three locations: Rogers Gutters at 337 Carl Vinson Parkway, Reese Heating and Air LLC at 329 S. Houston Lake Road, or at Graceland Portable Buildings at 1001 Elberta Rd.
Reese Heating and Air is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Graceland Portable Buildings is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.