Freehold Woman Raises Funds For Victims Of Fire

FREEHOLD, N.J.—Shamika Jones is organizing a GoFundMe campaign for one of her best friends who lost her possessions in a Jackson house fire June 4, including the bridesmaid's dress she was to wear to Jones's wedding in the fall.

"My best friend and her boyfriend recently lost their house due to a fire. They lost multiple pets and multiple memories. They have a young son, who was not home at the time, who had to receive a call from his mom telling him what happened and that he lost everything," Jones said in a Facebook post.

"I told my friend the last thing she needed to worry about was the bridesmaid dress," Jones said Thursday when asked about the fundraiser. She said the family is temporarily living in Millstone.

Jones said the fire at the Hyson Road house seems to have started from an electrical problem.

Luckily, she said her friend's son was not home at the time.

"His parents remain strong for him but down deep inside they are devastated as any one of us would be. I can’t even imagine the hurt and pain they are feeling," she said

Her friends, Nicole Sorchinski and Kyle Beauduy, had just come home from shopping and were able to escape. Jones said three dogs escaped, including a service dog, but some reptile pets perished in the fire.

"My best friend is a healthcare worker and spends a ridiculous amount of time caring for others in need, especially since the pandemic," Jones said in the post. "Now I’m asking for your help in order to help her."

Go to the GoFundMe site to see how to donate. So far $4,728 has been raised toward the $10,000 goal.

"I have over 900 Facebook friends who probably scroll just as much as I do. So I just want to thank those in advance who do decide to donate. Any amount is appreciated," she posted.