Residents of the Mantilla neighborhood, both local and abroad, swiftly mobilized to provide aid to the family whose home was destroyed by a fire on Thursday, August 22. The affected family, Yudith and her son Adam, have received donations ranging from a refrigerator, dining set, living room furniture, beds, and wardrobes to construction materials to help rebuild their home.
"I have no words to express my gratitude; the family has decided to rebuild their house," wrote Yanara M. Mantilla, the administrator of the Facebook group "Somos Mantilla." Another significant donation was a water tank, alongside assistance from private transporters who helped move the donations.
"Mantilla community, who said we aren't the best? This wonderful person on his tricycle helped us transport the fridge," Yanara highlighted in another post, mentioning the driver's name, Andrés García.
Private businesses in the area also pitched in. "Words aren't enough to describe how businesses in the neighborhood, and the people behind them, want to help and give Yudith some peace and comfort. I am incredibly grateful to the owners of the hot dog stand for their love and support. Honestly, many businesses in the area are helping," Yanara added.
The group administrator shared a photo of Yudith with the donated dining set. "I'm posting this picture because it's the first time I see her looking better and without tears in her eyes," she remarked.
A GoFundMe campaign was also launched last Friday with the goal of raising $10,000. The fire that consumed Yudith and Adam's home, located on República Street between Julio Sánchez and Tamarindo, was so severe that the thick smoke and flames were visible from various points in the capital neighborhood.
An online user specified that it was "my block" and assured that the affected person is "the best person on my street." A local neighbor confirmed that four fire trucks responded swiftly, preventing the fire from spreading to other houses despite its intensity.
As of now, the cause of the fire has not been disclosed.
Support Efforts for Fire-Affected Family in Mantilla
In light of the recent fire in Mantilla, many community members have questions about the support efforts and how they can contribute. Below, we address some common inquiries.
How can I contribute to the GoFundMe campaign for Yudith's family?
You can contribute to Yudith's family by visiting the GoFundMe campaign page and making a donation. The goal is to raise $10,000 to help them rebuild their home.
What types of donations are needed for the family?
The family needs household items such as furniture, appliances, and construction materials. Local businesses and individuals have already donated several essential items, but ongoing support is still welcome.
How did the community mobilize so quickly?
The quick mobilization was facilitated through social media platforms like Facebook, where community members communicated and organized support efforts swiftly.