A local first responder and his family are still piecing their life back together following a fire that destroyed their Westover home on July 4.
After serving as a firefighter and 911 dispatcher in Monongalia County for more than a decade, Jacob Morgan and his family found themselves on the receiving end of firefighter and first responder services when a fire consumed their home, damaging or destroying all their possessions.
Jacob, his wife Samantha, who is expecting a baby soon, and their young son and daughter were not injured in the fire, but lost two pets, a cat and a dog. Firefighters were able to save some of the family’s other pets.
The official cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but Jacob said it is believed to have started in the kitchen.
The family is now faced with starting over and needs almost everything, including all they had in preparation for their coming baby.
Jacob said they have received a lot of support from the local community since losing their home and they will have a better idea what they still need when they are able to find an apartment or house to rent. The family is currently in a hotel, making it difficult to sort through and see everything they have received so they can then determine specific necessities still needed.
In the meantime, Jacob’s sister Taylor Hostutler started a GoFundMe for the family, titled “Help Jacob’s Family Rebuild After Fire.” It is currently raising monetary donations and is nearing the $5,000 goal. Monetary donations can also be sent directly to the family via Venmo @Jason-Morgan-91.
Jacob’s father, Jason Morgan, who is running for Monongalia County sheriff, was also actively collecting donations following Jacob and his family’s loss.
Clothing sizes for the family’s children include girls’ size 4T tops and bottoms, toddler size 6 shoes, size 6 diapers, boys’ size 6 tops and bottoms and kids’ size 13 shoes.
To help re-prepare for their newborn, any baby girl clothes or diapers size newborn or 3-6 months, as well as any baby supplies like bottles, washcloths, hooded towels and toys would also be appreciated.
Clothing donations for Jacob and Samantha can be made in men’s size 5X tops, 2X bottoms (shorts and boxers) and size 11 shoes, and women’s size 3X tops and bottoms and size 9 shoes.
Jacob said anyone with donations can contact him directly at 304-282-0569 to set up a time and place to meet.
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