Clinton, Centre County communities rally around man who lost wife, 6 children in fire
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Communities in Clinton and Centre counties organized fundraising efforts for Stoltzfus.
- A First National Bank account and drop box at Old School Market were set up for donations.
- A GoFundMe raised $11,753 toward an $18,000 goal within less than 24 hours.
Members of the Clinton and Centre County communities are rallying around an Amish man who lost his wife and six children in a house fire on Sunday.
Firefighters responded to a reported explosion and structure fire in the 700 block of Long Run Road in Lamar Township, Clinton County, around 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, crews found a fully-involved fire and confirmed that seven people were entrapped, according to a police report from state police at Montoursville.
Sarah Stoltzfus, 34, and her six children, ranging in age from 3 to 12 years old, died in the fire that destroyed the home, police said. A propane leak inside the home is a possible cause of the explosion, but police said it remains under investigation.
Following the blaze, communities from around both Clinton and Centre counties have come together to raise funds and donations for David Stoltzfus. A main donation point is the Old Town Market at 34 East End Mountain Road in Lamar Township, where the Stoltzfus family operated a french fry stand.
A representative from the market who asked not to be named told the CDT Monday afternoon that a First National Bank account has been created in Stoltzfus’ name. For those who would like to donate, visit the bank’s location at 4 E. Main St. in Loganton, Clinton County, and ask to donate to the “David Stoltzfus Fund.”
“All prayers and donations are appreciated, in any form,” the representative said. “We’re doing whatever we can do to help Davey get back on his feet.”
The Old School Market will also be taking donations of money, food and clothing for Stoltzfus during their open hours — from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday — through a drop box at the store.
In Centre County, the Howard Fire Company is holding an Amish buggy ride raffle to raise funds for Stoltzfus.
According to a Facebook post from the fire company, three, 30-minute rides will be auctioned off, each ride will fit two people, and the rides will take place on May 4, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Raffle tickets cost $10, and there will be a maximum of 4,000 chances for this raffle. Winners will be drawn on April 29.
For more information on the market’s efforts, visit its Facebook page and website, oldschoolmarketpa.com. More information on the fire company’s raffle can also be found on its Facebook page and website, howardfire.com.