A fire that destroyed a family’s home at 1106 S. Opel Ave., Sheridan, Wednesday night has resulted in not only a total loss of property for the family, but also an outpouring of support from the community.
The Sheridan Fire Department, along with firefighters from Jackson Township, Cicero, Westfield, Noblesville and Zionsville responded Wednesday evening to what is being called an accidental fire that completely destroyed one family’s home.
Sheridan Youth Assistance Program (SYAP) and many individuals in the community have stepped up to help this family in need. Less than two days after the fire, the family has already been given so much clothing that SYAP is asking for other forms of help from the community as this family moves forward and rebuilds their lives.
Lisa Samuels, early intervention advocate with Sheridan Youth Assistance, told The Reporter, “I am coordinating service once they find a new residence. I will connect them with resources that will help provide housing, furnishings and other things. A few people have already donated items that are being held for them. At this time, until we ask for other needs, it is mostly monetary donations, gift cards or toys for the kids that we are looking for.”
Monetary and gift card donations can be dropped off at the Adams Township Trustee office at 201 S. Main St., Sheridan, or at any Sheridan Community Schools office during normal business hours.
In addition to money or gift cards, having received ample clothing donations, SYAP is only asking for physical donations of craft supplies such as beads, bracelets, or similar items, elementary and middle school reading books, second grade level learning books, Legos and age-appropriate board games. To arrange for these donations, please call Samuels at (317) 647-5063.
“One of the main things Sheridan Youth Assistance does in our community is to help any family through any struggle, crisis situation of long-term situation,” Samuels said. “That is our purpose in our community. Of course, we are happy to step in and help this family through this difficult time.”
Samuels told The Reporter she is proud of the outpouring of help she has seen for this family.
“Sheridan is always a great place,” Samuels said. “Like the superintendents have always said, Sheridan is the best kept secret in Hamilton County. We come together as a family whenever there is a need very quickly. The good thing about being a small town is that everybody knows everybody. Everybody helps out whenever there is a need.”