(From WEEK News 25) - It was supposed to be a day of excitement and anticipation, but for the Jones family of Pekin, this is what became of their home on Christmas Eve.
Hours after the fire, Teresa Jones, her husband and four children put out a public cry for help.
She says the answer was loud and clear.
"I took phone calls until about 11:30 that night... Well, about 12:30, and I took donations until about 11:30 at night. People have been very, very helpful," she said.
First Pekin Housing Authority provided the family with a place to live.
After that, Jones says dozens came, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, bringing dishes, food, and clothing.
One man brought his love seat.
"They usually say 'I heard about your story, or I saw your story on the TV. What can we do to help?' or 'We have this to offer you. Do you still need that? What do you need?'"
And the generosity isn't lost on her kids, including nine year-old Isabella.
"I thought it was kind of good because we would probably have to live on the streets or in a hotel," she said. "I'm actually kind of happy because everyone survived."
For the family, life is slowly returning to normal.
Meantime, Teresa Jones has a message for those who gave so much.
"If we could send thank you cards... There's been so many people, but you know, with the crisis, we didn't get a chance to get names and everything, but yeah, thank you to everybody."
Jones says she and her family are still in need of shoes, mattresses, and access to laundry facilities, among other things.
To help, call Teresa at (309) 620-5916.
