LYNN — After Patty DiRico and her family lost their home in a two-alarm fire last week, friends and strangers have come together to help by donating money for food, clothing, furniture and shelter.
The fundraiser was posted on gofundme by DiRico’s family friend, Jared Vargas of Lynn, on Thursday afternoon with a set goal of $10,000.
On Friday, the fundraiser already raised $5,071 — more than half of its goal.
“I have known the DiRico family for well over 10 years — one of the most loving and caring families you will ever come across,” Vargas said. “Whenever you need anything they would always be there to help any way they can.”
Vargas said he is also talking to family members about trying to find clothes for the family as well as talking to DiRico about finding temporary shelter for her family.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who is pitching in,” he said. “The family and myself are grateful for every single person who has donated and shared the post.”
Additionally, Vargas said he had also been working with the DiRicos to collect donations online and offline.
Joey DiRico, Patty’s younger brother, said he saw his sister and her family on television when the fire occurred.
He donated $1,100 to the fundraiser, the single largest donation so far.
“To see my sister in that video was just heartbreaking,” he wrote. “You helped me in my team of need and now I’m here to help you.”
Other individuals from outside of Lynn have also donated to help the DiRicos.
Mark Alan Ailshie of Woburn said one of the family members was a former student of his and was shocked and saddened to hear about the fire.
“I know that Darien was always a great kid that was there for other people,” Ailshie said. “I want to be there for them now.”
The DiRicos have lived at their home on Chestnut Street for more than 10 years. On March 14, they lost their home, clothes, belongings and furniture in a two-alarm fire that left the four of them and 14 other residents homeless.
The fire was put out by the Lynn Fire Department but everything in DiRico’s house was destroyed.
“We are devastated by this tragedy — we never imagined anything like this would happen to us,” DiRico said. “We lost everything in the fire. Beds, bedding, all of our furniture is gone, all kitchen items — everything is gone.”
Even in the face of tragedy, however, DiRico thanks the Lynn Fire Department, the Red Cross and those who have donated to help her family.
“You will never know how much our family appreciates and thank you for helping our family rebuild,” she said.
Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dirico-family-after-house-fire.
Those who wish to donate clothes can email Vargas at [email protected].
