SYLVESTER, Ga. (WALB) - Three foster children are starting over after a house fire Monday killed their father and destroyed everything they owned, according to their caregiver.

Karen Hill said the children escaped with only the clothes they wore to school the day of the fire. One of the children has special needs. Hill said she is now caring for all three and has not yet received financial assistance or food benefits while their situation is being processed.

“These children lost everything they have ever had,” Hill said. “If you can donate anything, no matter how big or small... I and they would be so highly grateful.”

What donations are needed

Hill is asking the community to help with the following items:

Clothing for teen girls:

• Women’s/teen shirts: size large
• Women’s/teen pants/shorts: 14W petite

Clothing for boys/young men:

• Shirts: small, medium, large
• Pants: 30/30 and 32/34

Other essentials:

• Men’s/boys’ socks
• Women’s socks
• Men’s boxers, size medium
• Women’s underwear, size large/XL
• Shampoo, conditioner, razors, shave cream
• Feminine pads
• Men’s and women’s deodorant
• Overnight pull-ups, X-large
• Storage totes

Shoe sizes were not immediately available. Hill said the children were wearing Crocs the day of the fire and that sizes will be obtained, or monetary donations will be used to purchase shoes.

Where to donate

Physical donations can be dropped off at:

Worth County DFACS Attn: Karen Hill / Mr. Matt Price in Sylvester, GA

Monetary donations are being accepted through temporary accounts until an official fund can be established. Hill said no money should be dropped off directly to DFACS. Details on how to donate financially are available on WALB.com.

Hill also thanked the community for its prayers and support and said she will answer questions publicly as she is able, while protecting the children’s identities and privacy.

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