CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A fire that destroyed a home in South Abington Sunday night was the home that belonged to a family that owns a local diner in Clarks Summit. Now the community is rallying around them.
We now know that the home belonged to the family that owns the Silver Spoon Diner on State Street.
It's only been 24 hours since the tragic fire, but already the Clarks Summit community is showing just how big its heart is after tragedy struck one of its own.
Flames engulfed the home on orchard lane sunday night, leaving nothing but ashes and memories, but in the aftermath, the community is coming together in a way that shows just how much this family and their restaurant means to everyone here.
"It's one thing to I think hear there's been a fire, but to literally stand and witness it and just see someone's entire life just burn in front of them and I find out they have four children and two of them are at Waverly and my kids go to Waverly, and I was like, something just needs to happen," said Waverly Lackawanna County resident Sarah Braddell.
Braddell, who could see the fire right from her yard, went straight to the community page on Facebook to start gathering ideas.
"You know get the wheels turning and started doing everything I possibly could to help this family in need," Braddell stated.
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One of those ways is to head directly to PS Bank in Clarks Summit.
"We found out the best way to do it where there's not a percentage taken away is to go straight to the bank, they lost all their identification so we went with the bank they currently work with so they don't have to present any identification," Braddell added.
Other local businesses will be stepping up to help support as well
"We're going to put up different stations like containers to collect it at certain places throughout the area where you can just drop off money and we will collect it and drop it off at the bank," Braddell continued.
Another way to support? Have a meal at the Silver Spoon Diner.
"Go to the restaurant, order food, drop off gift cards there if they need it," Braddell said.
Despite the challenges they're facing, the family is deeply touched by the community's generosity
"I talked to the mom this morning, or later this afternoon, they're very overwhelmed, but they're very grateful for all the out pouring and support that they're getting," Braddell stated.
Braddell also mentioned a basket raffle in the coming weeks.to further support the DePaolo family. You can email sarahkbraddell@gmail.com for additional information.
