Just days after a fire completely ruined their home, a Niles family feels blessed to have so many people in the community who care enough to help them.

“Every time I see something I cry. Half these people I don’t even know,” said Jamie Burch, who lived in the home on Ontario Road in Niles Township with her boyfriend, Shawn Boersma, and their 7-month-old son, Mason.

Niles Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold said his department received the call at 6:33 p.m. Officials responded to the fire at 1734 Ontario Rd., and fought the blaze for several hours after with the help of Clay Township and Niles City firefighters.

“We were sitting in the living room and we smelled something burning,” Burch said. “We had just gotten done cooking in the oven, so we checked to see if the oven was off, and it was. Then Shawn looked out the window and saw the fire and screamed for me to get Mason and get out of the house. He got the two dogs and I got the baby.”

Due to the extent of water and fire damage, Brovold said the house is likely a total loss.

“We lost everything. The only thing that survived is Mason’s piggy bank,” Burch said.

In the days following the blaze, friends and community members have donated various items, and have set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the family.

“We need nine-month to 12-month clothes because he’s growing. We have a crib, I think, and we need clothes for ourselves,” she said.

Those interested in helping the family can donate to the GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/8gb3tjza2k, or contact the family through the page to arrange a donation.