Kingston Community Raises $100K for Fire Survivor Family

When a family lost everything in a devastating house fire that claimed two young boys, their Pennsylvania community wrapped them in love and action.

Within three days of the Wednesday fire that killed two brothers, ages 11 and 13, volunteers moved the surviving family out of a hotel and into a fully furnished home in Larksville. Property owner Dave Prohaska, a family friend, had one goal: get the surviving 7-year-old girl out of temporary housing by the weekend.

"My goal was to get that little girl out of that hotel by the end of the weekend," Prohaska said. Volunteers worked tirelessly to collect furniture, stock cupboards with groceries, and fill the home with everything the family needed, including toys for the little girl.

State Rep. Brenda Pugh helped coordinate the effort. "From filling cupboards with groceries to making beds, filling closets, and bringing in furniture and necessities, we got it done," she posted on social media.

The physical support came alongside an overwhelming financial response. Two GoFundMe campaigns have raised over $100,000 combined, with the Kingston Police Department's campaign alone bringing in more than $71,000.

Over the weekend, hundreds packed the Rush Inn in Kingston for a hastily organized benefit. The bar announced afterward that the event raised more than $10,000 in a single evening.

The Ripple Effect

Kingston Police Chief Richard Kotchik said the response reflects something special about his community. "The generosity displayed has been truly remarkable and reflects the compassion, unity and strength that define our community," he said.

The donations will cover the family's housing for an extended period while they grieve and begin to rebuild. Every dollar raised means one less worry for parents processing unimaginable loss while caring for their surviving daughter.

Prohaska credits the community entirely. "The people of this area made this happen," he said.

When tragedy strikes, Kingston proved that a community's heart can be measured in furniture moved, meals prepared, and hands reaching out to catch a falling family.

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