Toms River Rallies To Help Family Who Lost Home, Pets To Fire

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Community members are rallying to help a Toms River family after their home and belongings were destroyed by a fire that also claimed the lives of their pets on Thursday.

The Freed family was displaced by the fire at an Orchid Court townhouse that was reported about 10:20 a.m. Thursday, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department. The family was able to escape and call 911, she said, but their two dogs and a cat died in the fire.

A family friend has started a GoFundme campaign to help them get back on their feet, and as of 1:30 p.m. Friday it had garnered more than $23,000 in donations.

"I have known the Freeds for years through our hockey team families, but the kindness from other teams, schools, friends, family members, and just kindness from anonymous people is overwhelming," said Stephanie Schneider, the campaign organizer. The donations will help them replace clothing, furniture, and other items they need for their household. "These donations will hopefully ease some of the pain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

Those wishing to contribute to the GoFundme can find information here.

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