Family loses everything in fire before Xmas
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- One local family is spending their holidays rebuilding after losing everything in a house fire just days before Christmas.
According to fire officials, the fire started in the attic and quickly spread throughout the home. Jessica and Patrick Banach rented part of the property on Auburn Avenue for the last six years. They lived there with their four children who are 9, 8, 5, and 4 years old.
"My kids are my pride and joy and I'm just so happy that we're all safe," Jessica said.
Jessica said a lot of memories were made in the home and that's what she'll miss the most.
"We had a height chart of all the kids in the kitchen over the years and it's moments like that where you realize there's a lot of memories attached to places," Jessica said. "In the end, family, that's all that matters."
The family is staying at a temporary location for now and trying to make the most of the holidays.
"It was a bit overwhelming with it being the holiday season. Just a lot of memories. Like I said, things can be replaced but especially for the kids, we're trying to make it special for them anyway we can," Jessica said.
A GoFundMe was set up to help raise money for the family.
"No one plans to rush their kids out of the house and watch the home they've been in for the last six years on fire," Patrick said. "When this happened, people really just rallied. It's been absolutely amazing."
By Monday afternoon, the community had donated nearly $40,000.
"Gifts for the kids, clothes, basic supplies. We lost a lot, but the community, the folks from work, the families, everyone has just rallied around us and it means everything," Patrick said.
Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.