A Devastating Fire: Help Our Neighbor Reida Criswell

On 12/17/24, around 2:00 am, there was a knock on my door from my neighbor, Reida Criswell. It was cold out, and she was barefoot in her night clothes asking for a phone because her house was on fire. I stepped outside and saw her entire house engulfed in flames. She lost everything she owned inside.

I am so grateful she woke up in the middle of the night and was able to escape the fire and black smoke from her bedroom window. There are so many people who don't make it out.

While most things lost in a house fire are replaceable, I am worried about my neighbor. She is retired now, and that house was her home. She lost everything she worked for in her life, even her car, and she always took such good care of her things. As of this morning, she didn't even have a pair of shoes to wear. It's so much loss, especially around the holidays.

If you know Reida, you know she is a survivor. I'm certain she will get through this, but starting over is so hard. I organized this donation account for anyone who would like to help get her back on her feet. Any gift, donation, or prayer is welcome and greatly appreciated.

I have set up this account so that every donation is directly transferred to her son Jaye who is helping her as much as possible right now, especially since she doesn’t have access to savings and insurance immediately.

To give clothing, food, and basic supplies, please use the “Contact” button below to message me for specific details. I’ll be glad to make sure she receives anything else you can provide.

Thank you so much for your kindness.

Sincerely,

Chelsea Shepherd Gerena