The family is safe and their three dogs are unharmed, but the Borja family is reeling after an early morning fire destroyed much of their Lake Highlands home. The alarm system gave way, and it was too late to call Fire Watch Services. The roof and back room are ruined and the rest of the home has major damage as a result of firefighters work to cut holes and spray water to stop the spread of the fire. Layers of ceiling debris and soot cover all the family’s treasures.

Families at Lake Highlands Junior High, where Michelle is in the 8th grade and Steven is in the 7th, are organizing to help where they can. Moms from Michelle’s soccer team, the Rockets, retrieved clothing from the home and washed it for them today. They’ll deliver it to the hotel with kitchenette where the family is temporarily staying.

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The family has insurance but not replacement cost for their possessions. Being in strange surroundings is especially challenging for Steven, who is blind (though I’m told the entire family is holding up well and has a great attitude). If you’d like to help the Borjas by donating gift cards to help them purchase groceries, dinners out or home goods, you can email LHJH mom Colleen Garcia here or deliver them to the school’s front office, Walnut Hill and Ferndale.