BANGOR, Maine — A fundraiser is under way for a family of five from Enfield that lost almost all the family owned earlier this week in a box truck fire.
The box truck, which was borrowed, caught fire Wednesday morning, as Paul and Mandy St. Onge and their three boys were moving into an apartment on Stillwater Avenue, near the Veazie line.
The move was supposed to be a fresh start for the St. Onges, who had to leave their rented Enfield home after it was foreclosed upon, Mandy St. Onge said Friday. The family had most of their household items, clothing and the boys’ toys in the truck when it broke down and caught fire two driveways away from their new home.
“We’re having a bad-luck streak, but we’re pulling together as a family,” Mandy St. Onge said.
Because they now lack what they need to set up their new household, the St. Onges are staying temporarily with Mandy St. Onge’s mother in the Bangor area.
“I’m just worried about the kids because they just started at a new school with nothing,” she said.
The couple said the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided $1,000 in assistance, but with three boys to clothe and feed the money is going quickly.
In an effort to help, Jane Worcester, a family friend and owner of Brookside Grill in Brewer, is organizing a fundraising drive to replace what the St. Onges have lost.
Among the family’s needs are cookware and other kitchen equipment, bed linens and towels, furniture, a washer and dryer, and clothing, especially warm outerwear for the boys, whose sizes are as follows:
• Jesse, 13, men’s pants with a 34-inch waist and 30-inch inseam; men’s large shirts; and men’s size 7 shoes.
•Colton, 12, boys size 14 husky pants, men’s medium or boys 18-20 shirts, and men’s size 6 shoes.
•Dalton, 10, boys size 12 husky pants, men’s medium or boys size 14-16 shirts, men’s size 5 or 5½ shoes.
Worcester said anyone who wants to help the St. Onges may drop off donations at the bar, located at 554 S. Main St. in Brewer, or call 989-6455 to make arrangements for pickup.
Worcester also is seeking items for an auction and raffle to be held at Brookside within the next few weeks.