Family who lost home by fire wants to thank those who helped

It's been a tough time for the Harrod family of Springfield.

A blaze forced them from their home back on February 4th. Now they want to thank those who have helped out.

Donations from friends, neighbors, co-workers and even people they've never met have helped keep the Harrods clothed, fed and sheltered.

"Everybody's offered to help," said Ralph Harrod, ironically a Springfield city firefighter and owner of the home on Rocky Point Road that burned down. "People have given us stuff and we don't even know who they are. We just found a check behind our house for $200 and we don't even know the people."

Harrod was on duty that day when his son called to tell him their home was on fire.

The blaze caused by a faulty outlet in the garage. Thanks to his son, Brock Gnaul, his daughter, Alyssa Harrod, and dog Whiskey got out safely.

Since then, the family has received groceries from neighbors, clothes, furniture and a vacant home from friends Pat and Sandy Casey in their kids' school district. There is even a donation fund set up for them at Fifth Third Bank.

"It's amazing how much people have done, especially when the economy is bad, everyone's struggling ," Harrod said. "All we want to do is thank everyone."

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