Tolland Organization Rallying To Help Family Affected By Fire

TOLLAND, CT — A Tolland nonprofit organization is rallying support for a family displaced by a raging fire last week.

A home on Bonaire Hill Road in Tolland was destroyed by a raging fire on the night of Jan. 27. The initial call came in at 11:31 p.m. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they encountered a home completely engulfed in flames. Tolland Fire chief John Littell said crews had to contend with frozen hoses in frigid, below-zero temperatures.

Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley said several family members were safely out of the house and had sought shelter at nearby neighbor's house. One man was outside the home, on the property, in "serious medical distress," he said.

He was transported via ambulance to Hartford HealthCare's Rockville Hospital campus, Foley said. Town staff members and the American Red Cross are helping the displaced family. And the fire has now turned fatal.

George Laws, the president of the nonprofit group Tolland Cares said the organization is rallying to assist the family.

"We are helping out the Tolland family that lost everything including the kids' Grandfather," he said. "The house is a total loss and they left with only what they were sleeping in. They all suffered blisters and frostbite from being in the snow barefoot. We are raising money for their immediate needs."

Laws said tax-deductible donations could be made:

• Via the Tolland Cares website, tollandcares.com
• By mail, Tolland Cares, po box 712 Tolland CT 06084
• In person at the following Tolland businesses — Wildflowers, Posh Pups, Red and White and Flat Pennies restaurant

"Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated," Laws said.

Tolland Cares is a 501C3 non-profit corporation with five volunteer board members. Every penny raised goes right back into the community.