Community collects donations for Brawley woman

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KSWT, T3)

A house fire in Brawley ravaged through two homes last week, displacing two families right before Christmas.

Local firefighters joined forces with a barbershop in Brawley to gather donations for Adriana smith and Roberta Bemis.

Within hours they lost the homes they build their life in.

Members of the community who were heartbroken by the news wanted to do something special to show their support.

“The first thing he asked was, is there anything we can do to help and assist and yes there is. Our union, Federal Firefighters, donated $500 dollars off the bat," said Julio Martin, Naval Air Facility Fire Captain.

Traditions Barbershop in Brawley also wanted to do their part, they gathered donations from customers and from the community.

“I think our job as business owners and as members of the community, is to help others in one way or another. So to do something good for them for the holidays, it was a good idea to try and help her out a little bit," said Jaime Abarca, Traditions Barbershop owner.

Abarca says he knows what's it’s like to lose a home to a fire.

“Years ago I lost a house in a fire, so I know what it felt to have nothing," said Abarca.

Mrs. Smith picked up her donations at traditions barbershop.

She says she's grateful to everyone in the community that has helped her through this difficult time.