Last Tuesday, a double-wide trailer burned nearly to the ground behind Sylvester Middle School here in Burien. The family that lived there basically lost everything (including the family pet) but the clothes on their backs, and had no insurance.

They are a family of five – Hal and Deana Buckley, and their three children – a nine-year old daughter who attends Gregory Heights Elementary School, a two-year old and a six-month old.

The story goes that on Tuesday, Deana took the two babies and went to pick up their daughter at school at about 2:30pm. When she returned home, the house was totally engulfed in flames.

Hal returned at about 3:20 just in time to see the fire department trying to put out the fire. No one was home and they have no idea how it started.

This family needs our help.

The Red Cross has helped them with three days of support, but they are in dire need of cash, gift cards, furniture, a cheap place to live…everything.

I spoke with Deana Buckley on the phone Saturday morning and she’s very grateful for the help they’ve received so far. She mentioned that they need two sets of bunk beds now, and also asks that anyone who wants to help try to either go to Sunday’s fundraiser (11am-4pm at Thi Salon), buy cookies from their daughter or donate cash or gift cards (ie: Target, Fred Meyer, etc.), as they have enough clothes for now. They need to get back on their feet and find a place to live, as they’re now staying with friends in Renton.

Here’s how you can help out this weekend:

1. Sunday (3/9) from 11am – 4pm at Thi Salon Services (in Big 5/Big Lots Complex @ 125 SW 148th St Burien (241-9984) an all-day fundraiser for the Buckley Family. Salon owner Thi will be donating all proceeds to the family from all salon services, so go get your hair done, a manicure, pedicure, your back waxed, scalp massaged or whatever other services they offer. Rumor has it also that Thi will stay “until the last person leaves” and will donate all monies collected directly to the family. There’s also a Fundraising Jar (see photo at left) where you can just donate cash. There will also be  food available (hot dogs, etc.) donated by the local Safeway across the street.
2. Sunday (3/9) from 2-4pm at the Burien Safeway (on 148th near First Ave South, conveniently located just across the street from Thi Salon), daughter Morgan will be selling Girl Scout Cookies near the front door (she lost all of her cookies in the fire but is out selling again – way to go Morgan!). So go show off your new ‘do to her and buy a bunch of cookies!

Eventually we’ll set up a PayPal donation button on the site that will deposit funds directly into a Buckley Family bank account, but until then, to donate cash you can contact Lynda Isernio at Sterling Bank at 243-6869 for more information.

For additional information on how you can help this family call Kathy Vallade 243-9595 or Gregory Heights School at 433-2323.

The Kiwanis plan to rebuild, but this will take some time.

If you have any ideas on other ways to help (perhaps hold your own fundraiser?), please don’t hesitate to email Scott at the B-Town Blog. We’re here to do whatever we can to help as well.

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