Gasconade County Republican

The apartment fire two weeks ago, which left eight families without a home, unleashed a wave of generosity that continues today.

Several of the victims told The Republican that they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of help from the community.

“Maria Killian at Community Outreach and Kay Maxwell were a tremendous help,” says Bradley Dimlock.  He, his wife Amy and 20 month-old-daughter Raelee lost their home and most of their belongings that day. Within hours they were in the Community Outreach office - along with the other eight families - and were served breakfast while they filled out paperwork.

Dan and Kay Maxwell, owners of the burned apartment complex, helped the Dimlocks find a new place to live. Within days they had furniture, food and clothing provided. Their church dedicated a special offering to help with setting up a new home.

They were invited to shop at the connected resale shop, Finders Keepers, to find clothing and other items that were needed immediately.

The Dimlocks have lived in Gerald for a little over six months having moved here from Conway, Mo. where they pastored a church.  Bradley reports it was a panic-filled situation to awaken to find your apartment complex on fire. Luckily his family and their three pets escaped without harm.

They learned a few valuable lessons from the experience. That night his cell phone was set to “silent” and his wife’s was in another room.  As neighbors called to warn them of the fire, the phone calls went unheard. Of course, in a very short time, people were beating on their door to evacuate them. Still, those few minutes could have made a huge difference in another situation.

“God has blessed me and my family and we are so glad He spared our lives,” Bradley said.

All of the family’s paperwork was destroyed in fire. Now, they have purchased a fire-proof safe and keep important documents there. They also keep a bag packed with necessities in their bedroom, where it is easy to grab in an emergency. They also keep a few extra clothes in their vehicles.

That advice would have been helpful for another resident of that complex. Connie Muir reports that one of her sons was standing in the parking lot in his boxer shorts, watching their apartment burn. A neighbor invited him to her home and lent him a pair of sweatpants to wear until he could find other clothing.

Muir says that gesture was just one of many that have touched her.

“I am really, really touched by the way the community and the school has been there for me and my kids,” she says. Everybody came together and was just great.”

She reports that two teachers in particular went above and beyond in helping her family. “Mrs. Carwile and Miss Bloemke both were so sympathetic to my kids. They also went out and got pots and pans, food, toys and a lot of other stuff. A lot of stuff for us.”

Muir has lived in Gerald for two years and has a son at GES and one OMS. She notes the schools have done fund raisers and also collected bedding, towels and other household items for her family.

After spending three nights in a motel, they were able to move into a new home in Gerald. They slept on the floor for one night, before new bed frames, mattresses and box springs were delivered by St. Vincent de Paul Society. Salvation Army sent out new dressers for each  family.

This family has been provided with everything they need after the fire. Except for a couch, which they now see as more of a luxury than a necessity.

“I learned that accidents can happen at any time to anyone,” says Connie. “I am just truly thankful for everything everybody has done.

Lillie Kosutka, her brother and her three children also lost their home in the fire. Having just moved here in September, Kosutka says she is just in awe of the whole community and its spirit of giving.

“Maria Killian and Kay Maxwell have just been fabulous,” she reports. “The response to our need was just really great.”

Kosutka’s family will require a three bedroom home and at the moment they are staying with relatives. After the fire, Lillie says she is too afraid to move into another apartment complex and hopes to find a house to rent. “There are a few possibilities and we hope to something within the next 30 days,” she says.

They were able to salvage a few things from one room of their apartment, but still need living room furniture.

She also noted how helpful the schools were in providing bedding, and school supplies for her children.

Students and staff at GES have already raised more than $400 and have other fund raisers planned.