Neighbor seeks donations for displaced family

By Catherine Amos

Published: December 31, 2008

The family of six that was displaced Sunday after a fire destroyed their rental home has found a new place to stay. But they need furniture and clothing.

The American Red Cross lists neighbor Dianne Denton as the contact person for donations to Tony Ochoa and his family. Denton said the family has moved into a house with a washer and dryer, but have no beds, blankets or dishes and very little clothing.

“Yesterday I took them and got them some clothes and a pair of shoes,” Denton said. “They were so happy to have a pair of shoes on their feet.”

The family needs at least three beds, bedding, as well as women’s clothing sizes 11/12, men’s 38, and children’s clothing for a 2-year-old boy and 5- and 6-year-old girls. Denton did not know their exact sizes, but asked anyone willing to make a donation to call her at (540) 288-6971.

Denton can arrange to pick up donations or can provide the family’s new address.

“I just really want to thank the fire departments, the Red Cross and everyone for their thoughts and prayers,” she said.

A crying baby alerted Ochoa to the early morning blaze Sunday. An electrical malfunction in a ceiling fixture appears to have started the fire, which destroyed the home on Old Orange Road, according to Culpeper Co. 1 Fire Chief Stacy Carpenter.

Ochoa lived at the home with his wife, Carmella, their three children and his mother-in-law. At the time of the fire, there were 13 people in the house. No one was injured.

Want to help? To donate items to the Ochoa family, call Dianne Denton at (540) 288-6971.