By Stacey Tucker
Staff Writer
REESE — When families in Reese needed help, the community rose up and within days, they were able to get back on their feet.
Community members came together to help support individuals who lost their home when flames tore through the two story building at 9978 Saginaw Street (M-81) Monday, May 4.
The next day, the owners of Papio’s in Reese, Stephanie and Greg Helpap knew that something needed to be done. Three of their employees, Casey Goodrow, Shawn Goodrow and Scott Osantowski lived in the building.
“Stephanie and I knew we had to do something, so we posted a Facebook post and word spread like wildfire,” Greg Helpap said. “The next thing you know, people were bringing things in left and right.
“It was a whole community effort.”
Casey Goodrow lived in the building with his girlfriend Becky Oszust and their son Zachary Oszust while Shawn Goodrow lived with roommates Ryan Bender and Liam McBride. The six adults and one child lost everything in the blaze, when they barely made it out before the building became fully engulfed.
“Casey was outside and he heard a pop and he saw flames shooting out a window,” Helpap said. “He’s the one that went in and got everyone out.
“That’s good because it could have been worse. Thank God everyone got out.”
The very next day the community rallied and the response was overwhelming.
“We still have people bringing stuff in,” Stephanie Helpap said.
The basement of Papio’s is full with donations from area residents and two storage units have been rented for furniture and other donations.
“We raised $3,000 cash and have tons of food and clothes and everything else.” Helpap said. “The families also had two other Go Fund Me accounts set up by different people to help out.”
Helpap said everyone is in a good position now as far things they need, although there is one thing they are still searching for — a place to live.
“If anyone knows of any place to rent, that would be great,” Helpap said. “They’ve gotten enough clothes and food. Now they’ll just need the small stuff and that’s what we raised the money for, too.”
The three employees of Papios are back to work and everyone is overwhelmed and overjoyed by the response of the community.”
“They’re really overwhelmed and very grateful,” Helpap said,
Donations that cannot be used by the individuals who lost their home in the fire will be turned over to Goodwill to help other people who are in need.