When we go to sleep at night, we have a level of comfort that our family will be safe and secure through the night. Unfortunately, there are instances where tragedy does strike in the night and without warning. That is what happened to Andrea Giles and her family in Boothbay in the early morning hours of January 30. The Giles family awoke abruptly to a quick moving fire that was spreading rapidly throughout the mobile home that they shared. All five family members who were present escaped but they did lose beloved pets and all of their belongings, including their home. Miraculously, three of the children who have significant special needs were away participating in Special Olympics and were not present.

Since the fire, the family has been staying with relatives and friends. Toby LeConte ,with whom the Giles family has a very trusting relationship and a bond that has formed over many years of working together at school, is leading the effort to meet the needs of the family and assist with housing decisions. We are actively seeking funding to clean up the debris and create a site for a new home to be brought in. The family had no insurance.

The Boothbay region community is known for our compassionate responses to personal situations like this one. The immediate response was overwhelming with people donating clothes and furniture to help the family immediately with their needs. There have been cash donation sites set up at three area businesses; Coastal Maine Popcorn, Hawke Motors and the Pharmers Market. There is also a “Go Fund Me” page established by a family member. There is a bank account at First National Bank where the cash donations are being deposited. The goal is to collect enough to clean up the debris, ensure that the septic and water systems are up to date, lay a new slab and bring another mobile home to the property owned by the family.

The new home will need to have at least four bedrooms to accommodate this family of eight. We are hoping to purchase a used 3-bedroom mobile home with an additional bedroom built on as an addition. This will require some skilled and basic labor to pull it together. It appears that electrical, plumbing, carpentry, hardware, and drywall are things we will need. Eventually, furnishings and housewares will be sought.

At this time, we are asking that people who interested in contributing towards the home fund bring or mail donations to Boothbay Charities Classic, c/o The First National Bank of Damariscotta, 77 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. You may also leave cash donations at any of the businesses mentioned above. Under Toby LeConte’s guidance, there is a small group of local nonprofits and churches helping to coordinate this effort. At this time, we are asking that the donations be limited to cash and checks given to the existing account at First National Bank. The point of contact for the family is and will continue to be Toby LeConte and she may be reached at 207-671-0565 or at school 207-633-5097 or by email her at tleconte@csd3-bres.org

On behalf of the Giles family and the community that supports them, we want to thank you and offer our appreciation for the gifts and donations. There is nothing quite as remarkable as the caring power of this community.

The “Coordinating Team” includes Boothbay Charities Classic, Community Navigator Program/ Addiction Outreach Program/BRCRC, Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor (offering a $5,000 match grant), Rebuilding Together, Toby LeConte/AOS 98, Town of Boothbay/Town Manager