Shaun Mobley, 36, and his daughters, Kiaya and Hannah, escaped a Dec. 12 blaze at the family’s home at 1963 Craig Drive. But killed in the fire were his wife, 36-year-old Alicia Mobley; her 76-year-old father, Forrest Carroll; and their sons, 4-year-old Shaun Mobley Jr. and 2-year-old Jacob Mobley. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Staci Turner, a friend of Shaun Mobley’s sister, organized Saturday’s event in the hopes of replacing the essential items the fire destroyed, while also providing the family with Christmas presents and other goods that will make their lives more comfortable.
“They lost everything, and we asked for anything and everything,” she said.
The call for help was answered by a huge number of students, parents, teachers and community members, who donated, volunteered or both. The Mobley children attended Kettering schools.
About 200 volunteers helped collect donations, sell baked goods and jewelry and sort and box donated items. Many of the items will be placed into donated storage units until the family can find a more permanent place to live.
Volunteers wrapped some of the donated goods, such as high-end electronics, as Christmas presents.
Cathy Knipfer, 65, of Kettering, bought and donated two $25 gift cards to Build-A-Bear, and one $25 gift card to a movie theater in Beavercreek.
Knipfer said she cannot imagine suffering such a painful loss, and her heart aches for the family.
“I have two 8-year-old grandsons, and my best friend has a 13-year-old granddaughter, and it’s just so sad,” she said.
Lyndon Cox, 53, of Kettering, wrote a check to the family, saying, “It’s just really sad what happened to the family and I just felt like I needed to give back.”
Scott Meier, 47, of Kettering, worked as a volunteer collecting electronics, and he also donated a PlayStation 2 and about 30 games for the girls. He said Saturday’s impressive turnout shows that Kettering residents care about one another and will help out when tragedy strikes.
“It says a lot about Kettering as a community,” he said. “A lot of people here don’t have much, but they came together.”
The outpouring of support from the community is extremely moving, and the donated items will be put to important use, said Stephanie Mattox, Shaun Mobley’s sister.
“It’s kind of renewed my faith in humanity that people still do care,” she said, fighting back tears. “We appreciate everything — all the volunteers, all the donations.”
Shaun Mobley said he appreciates everything the community has done for his family. But he said people can honor his family by telling loved ones everyday that they are loved and appreciated.
“I have lost my angels but I know that God took my angels and gave them to somebody who needed angels,” he said. “My dad and wife and boys have touched everyone here. They are smiling down on everybody here.”
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