POULAN, Ga. (WALB) - A South Georgia community is coming together to support a local man recovering from severe burns after a fire earlier this month.

Tiddles DuPriest was burning near his home when he became disoriented in the smoke and trapped by the flames. He was pinned by his four-wheeler but managed to get free and escape.

“I couldn’t believe it happened. But you know freak accidents happen like that. I would have never believed it would have happened to me. And it did. I’m going to tell you, when you burn, be careful,” DuPriest said.

After Phoebe Worth treated his injuries, DuPriest was taken to the Augusta Burn Center, where he has undergone multiple skin graft surgeries. Nearly half his body had been burned.

“I know God saved my life. It’s going to make me a better person too,” DuPriest said.

Neighbor and friend Kayla Newell heard what happened and decided to organize a raffle, working with local businesses and community members to raise money for DuPriest as he recovers.

“I’ve been in Tiddles place. I’ve not had insurance. I’ve been where he’s at and needed help. And that’s what we do in our little community here. We help each other. And working together. And that’s what we did. We came together to help Tiddles. And I want to do as much for Tiddles as we possibly can,” Newell said.

For every ten dollars donated, supporters receive one raffle ticket. More than $1,000 worth of items have been donated.

“It’s wonderful. And I cannot believe the people that have reached out. It’s been amazing. There’s not a better community than South Georgia. Anything I can do, and there’s so many people, I don’t have nothing for them to do. It’s been great,” DuPriest said.

Kayla Newell is the organizer for this raffle. You can learn more by visiting her Facebook page.

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