It seems as if every Christmas season, some family somewhere winds up losing everything in a fire. This time, the family is in our neighborhood, and they’re well-known to people in the Stonewall-Long-Woodrow axis of schools.
The Merino family — Bob, Maroy, Sarah, Bert and Matt — were driven from their rental home in the neighborhood Tuesday morning after what fire officials say was an electrical fire that totally gutted the place and destroyed virtually everything the family owns. WFAA-TV’s story incorrectly says the family lives in North Dallas, but other than that error, you can check out this morning’s video. The family’s youngest son, Matt, apparently had just gone to bed after staying up to watch the lunar ecslipse when a friend texted him; when he opened his eyes in response to the audible text alert, he noticed that smoke had filled his room. He woke the rest of the family, and everyone escaped unharmed before fire totaled the structure.
The home was a rental, and the Merino’s don’t have renter’s insurance, so they’re pretty much without everything right now; at this point, it’s unclear whether the homeowner’s insurance will help the family replace what they’ve lost, which includes Christmas presents, clothes, food, furniture — you name it. Matt attends Long, Bert is a senior at Woodrow and Sarah attends Centenary College in Shreveport, La. Sarah and Bert have been active in Woodrow’s musical program, and they’ve also performed at the Pocket Sandwich Theater.
The Red Cross has stepped up to help, as have a bunch of friends, neighbors and school chums. Woodrow PTA president Jill Cochran is collecting gift cards for the family (Target; Bed Bath & Beyond, Chili’s, groceries, etc.); the cards can be dropped off or mailed to 5223 Mercedes, 75206. If it’s easier, you’re also welcome to drop gift cards off at our office (Wells Fargo Bank Building, Suite 820, at Gaston & Abrams), and we’ll get them over to Jill. Obviously, the family can use just about everything.
Also, Darlene Ellison with Professional Bank is working with the St. Vincent de Paul group to establish the “Merino Family Fund” to help out; donations are tax-free and can be sent or dropped off to:
Merino Family Fund, c/o Professional Bank Lakewood, 2101 Abrams, 75214
My wife spoke with Meroy this morning, and naturally she’s pretty shaken up but grateful that everyone’s OK. They have a place to stay for the next couple of weeks, which will give them a little time to become organized.
