News

February 18, 2013

      Towanda (WENY) - Late Friday night, fire broke out in Towanda at the home of the Yoder family, taking the life of two year old John David Yoder III.
      Now, an overwhelming amount of support is pouring in from the community. At least four different people and organizations have stepped up to help this family. Neighbors say they are devastated by the loss and are amazed by the community's support.
      Lisa Watson lived next door to the Yoder family here on North Fourth street in Towanda. Her children played with the young boy John David, who died in the fire.
      “My kids are having nightmares, they are having a really hard time,” says Watson. “My 14 year old was really close to their little boy and she is having a really difficult time.”
       Watson says she and her family were evacuated very quickly because fire crews were concerned about the two propane tanks right next to the Yoder's home.
       “I was awakened by some pounding on the door and the fireman came in and the fist thing I said was is everybody out over there and he was evasive on that and said we're working on it to get me moving with my kids, because I had three kids that were home that night,” says Watson.
      The burned out home is all that is left behind, but the Towanda community is doing everything they can to help the survivors. Mary Wilcox is one of many planning a fundraiser.
       “I thought a couple of people would have donated money but it's just blown up and so many people who have shown their generosity its amazing,” says Wilcox.
      Her event on March 3^rd includes a donation dinner, silent auction and Basket Raffle. She says someone donated a car, and one woman even offered a fully furnished home for the Yoder family to live in until they find another place.
       “I hope that they find some closure in this, I mean it's going to be a long road for them but anything to help them,” says Wilcox.
      “I can't stay here I can't look at this it just tears my heart open every time knowing, says Watson. “It's just heard, it''s hard for me knowing what their going through right now. The fundraisers will end and they will go on with their life without their little boy and forever you got that.”

Right now the Yoder family needs gift cards and monetary donations to help them get back on their feet. Donations can be sent to:

First Citizens National Bank
111 Main Street
Towanda, Pa 18848
*Checks should be made out to John and Amber Yoder

Mary Wilcox has also started a Facebook event called "Fundraiser for the Yoder Family" - http://www.facebook.com/events/608814205812030/

Information from the Facebook event:

The benefit will be Sunday, March 3rd at 1pm at Towanda Elementary School. It will include a donation dinner, Basket raffle, silent auction as well as fun for the kids.

Raffle items as well as giftcards can be dropped off to the following places:
Chrizma Salon- 200 Thomas St. Towanda
12 college ave. Towanda
Dee's Tax Service- Athens
Who Knew? consignments- Wyalusing
Julie's Country Kitchen- Troy