A family raising seven children is seeking help rebuilding after losing their home and belongings in the Union Springs fire that killed a neighboring resident last week.
Annette Boyd organized a GoFundMe for Abel and Chrissy Sogaw, saying the couple and all seven children escaped the Oct. 28 fire without injuries.
The Sogaws are raising their two children and five nieces and nephews, according to Boyd. Their immediate needs include housing, furniture, clothing and everyday necessities.
The fundraiser had received $4,380 toward a $5,000 goal through 57 donations in the latest information provided.
Boyd described the family’s home as a total loss. She said the woman who died lived in an adjoining apartment and was a close friend of the Sogaws, leaving the family grieving while also coping with displacement.
“The Sogaws’ have always had a caring spirit and been a helping hand in their community to neighbors and anyone in need,” Boyd wrote.
As FingerLakes1 previously reported, State Police and the Springport Fire District responded to the Cayuga Street fire around 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.
One occupant escaped and told firefighters another person remained inside. Firefighters found a 68-year-old woman unconscious and brought her out. Auburn City Ambulance transported her to Auburn Community Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police had not released her name in the initial announcement.
Firefighters from Union Springs, Cayuga, Fleming, Montezuma, Aurora, Scipio and Owasco assisted during the response. Fire Wire updates described flames on the second floor and deteriorating conditions that prompted crews to withdraw from the building.
State Police investigators and Cayuga County fire investigators responded. The cause remained under investigation in the initial police report.
Boyd said donations will help the Sogaw family secure a place to live and replace essential belongings lost in the fire.
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