Grafton Community Outreach Committee raising funds for local student following house fire

The Grafton Community Outreach Committee is looking to raise funds for a local student after a house fire in Grafton Hills destroyed his family’s home.

Alderwoman Donna Smith, Chair of the Community Outreach Committee, told the Grafton City Council that the committee decided to raise funds to help ensure he starts his college career with less financial stress.

“The Community Outreach Committee discussed and we decided we want to raise some funds in the next month to help with just expenses that college kids have when they start school,” Smith said. “Simple things like books, materials they need for class, any needs they have for a dormitory room, personal needs, clothes, etc.”

Donations will be collected at the annual Family Fun Night at Red Hawk Park scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and can be dropped off at Grafton City Hall before the Family Fun Night.

“We’re asking the Grafton community to rally around this young man in a time when he should be looking happily towards going to college. Not worrying about his home, his parents and where his future lies because of this situation,” Smith said. “We don’t want him to worry about the finances as far as all the little things that he has to deal with.”

The fire occurred on July 19, requiring QEM Fire Protection District, Godfrey Fire, Jerseyville Fire, Fieldon Fire, Brighton Betsey Ann Fire and the JCH Ambulance to respond to the blaze as the family lost nearly everything.

Alderwoman Smith said it’s important for the community to rally around the young and demonstrate the spirit and attitude that Grafton has for its residents.

“It’s a great community to live in. A community that I think has great spirit, so let’s share that spirit by helping this young man start towards his future,” Smith said.