Helping a family devastated by fire

YORK COUNTY, Va. - A Hampton Community is pulling together in the wake of tragedy. On February second, a fire destroyed the Tristan family's home killing three of their four young children.

Almost a month after the heart breaking devastation, the Tristan's friends and teachers took yet another step to show their love and support.

Melani Brothers is know for installing windows and building sunrooms, but on Saturday it was building hope, hope for the Tristan family.

"They lost everything in the fire. Absolutely everything," says Amy Call, a counselor at Langley Elementary School.

The family lost everything but one daughter. On Saturday, her teachers and counselors from Langley Elementary stood in the cold to kick off a fundraiser for the family.

"It touched my heart when I heard it happen," says one of the child's teachers.

Teachers teamed up with Melani Brothers for this fundraising event.

"It's just a bake sale, yard sale, car wash, donations. We're just trying to raise as much money as possible," says Shane Call, who works at Melani Brothers.

So, just how much can selling baked goods and other items really make?

"Probably about $500 or so, so far," says Shane, showing WAVY.com a small bag full of cash and checks.

By the way, organizers got that $500 only three hours into the event! The car wash added a pretty big profit in this chilly weather. Just ask the guy doing all the work who can't really feel his fingers right now.

"It's definitely worth it. I'm not complaining."

It's worth it to help a family known for helping others.

"They already have come into our school and they volunteer all the time. They are very active in their community. They're a really great family," says Amy.

That great family is why Debbie Johnson showed up to make a donation and she says she knows, by the end of the day, the Tristans will have more than money. They'll realize they have the love and support of hundreds of people.

"As a community we need to reach out to people in our community and help them. This family needs our help with financial support and prayers and I think we all just need to do that as a community for them," says Johnson.

The fundraising event ran from 8 a-m until four this afternoon. Organizers say they will hold as many events as necessary for the family to get back on their feet.

To donate to the Tristans, go to any Wachovia Bank in Hampton Roads and say you'd like to donate to the Tristan Family Fire Fund.