Dear editor:

As you know, on July 14, we lost our home on Franklin Street in Thorsby to an accidental fire. This was a tragic event for our entire family, for not only did we lose our home during this fire, we also lost a place where we had spent 30 years building memories.

During the clean-up process, we have been blessed by the outpouring of support by our community. There have been countless volunteers who have graciously given of their time and energy. We as a family would like to take this opportunity to thank some of these people individually for their help and support.

As we move forward in the rebuilding process, it is only appropriate that we acknowledge these folks for their efforts: Colton Ellison-Ellison Auto, Danny Hammock-Danny’s Tree Service, Tyler Jackson; and a special “thank you” to Jimmy Whitman, Ronnie Bolton and Collins Chapel Fire Department and volunteers.

Please continue to pray for us as a family, for there are many challenges ahead. These challenges will be much easier to meet with the knowledge that we live in a community like Thorsby, which is willing to go above and beyond in support of its residents.

With many thanks and gratitude.

James and Mary Ray, Thorsby