As an Allegany, N.Y., family continues to recover from injuries suffered in last week’s fire that destroyed their home, the community has been busy donating items and planning a benefit and fundraisers.
Kayla Smith and her five children, Jaydn, Nick, Damyon, Joselyn and Anthony, were injured in a fire last Tuesday that destroyed their mobile home and vehicle in Colonial Village mobile home park off Route 417 in the town of Allegany. The father of the family, Nick Keech, wasn’t home at the time of the incident. A cause of the fire, which also resulted in the death of the family dog, has not yet been determined by the Allegany Fire Department.
A relative of the family, Betsy See, said the children have been released from area hospitals for injuries suffered in the fire, while Smith is expected to be released from a Buffalo hospital sometime this week.
Crystal Bellamy, an employee at Randy’s Up The River restaurant and tavern which has orchestrated the collection of clothes and furniture for the family, said a benefit has been planned next week for them in Olean, N.Y.
She said the event will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. March 10 at the Press Box at 1106 W. State St. in Olean.
The benefit will include 50/50s, food, basket raffles, beer and live music. Admission is $8 for pre-sale tickets and $10 at the door. Admission includes draft beer, soda and water. Food tickets are available for an additional $5.
Pre-sale tickets are available at Randy’s Up The River, Randy’s Fireside and the Press Box.
In addition, any basket or raffle donations can be dropped off at Randy’s.
At the Allegany-Limestone Central School District, Superintendent Tony Giannicchi has stated the district will help the family in any way it can. Elementary school Principal Kim Moore said she has been in communication with Bellamy at Randy’s, who is serving as a go-between with the family at present. Moore said a couple of the older children in the family attend the district this school year.
“We’ll be having a district fundraiser on Friday if the family gives permission,” Moore said on Monday. “We’re also awaiting contact information to give to the Red Cross” which is on standby.
“We’re also working on transportation to and from our school” for the children, Moore said in reference to the children’s temporary residence at a relative’s home outside the district.
Moore said the school is also planning a student hat day this week, which will allow students to participate in fundraising for the family.
On a related note, See has stated a spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction benefit may be conducted at the Ischua Fire Hall for the family in the future.
