OK, Smarties. This is our time to shine! One of our Smarty own suffered a tremendous loss this week. Megan Kiser and her young family lost their home on Tuesday to a fire – see video link. They lost everything in their house with the exception of two children’s bikes and a set of golf clubs. Fortunately, their entire family including beloved pet, Homer, are safe. They have three small children, Rachel (4), Jacob (3) and Rebecca (8 months) who lost everything in their world. When I talked about this with my 7-year-old, she asked “even their Santa gifts?” Yes, Anz, even those. So I thought I would reach out to you, our extended family of friends and businesses, to see if we can work together to make a difference in this family’s displaced life.
I cannot imagine being in the Kisers’ shoes this week. In fact, I have been obsessed with this story since I first heard of it. A house fire is my worst nightmare. Megan left for a walk with her baby and dog and came home to her house burning down. I spoke with her that evening and was so incredibly impressed with her ability to crack a joke at such an intense time. She said “you know, I picked today to pull my clothes out of the dirty laundry and this is what I get to keep!” As you can imagine, they have been overwhelmed with a range of emotions.
I think this is the perfect opportunity for our Smarty community to come together. I asked the family what we can do to help and this is what we came up with. They are pretty set on clothes for now thanks to all of their friends and neighbors who brought bags of clothes over that very day. They also have a place to stay. We think the most helpful thing we can do is to donate either $ or gift cards to Target, Belk, Dick’s, book stores, etc. The family has limited space in their place for now, but they will certainly need a ton of things when their home is rebuilt, which I’m sure will be a long process.
We call on you to please send donations or gift cards to:
Steve & Megan Kiser
c/o Katie Coleman
6618 Riesman Lane, Charlotte, NC 28210
Phone (Katie’s cell): 704.962.2540
The family wanted me to give a shout out to Angie King at the Staybridge Suites in Ballantyne who donated a 5-night stay to the grandparents. Thank you also to our Smarty Sponsors, Grubb Properties/Morrison who are graciously offering storage for the family at their Morrison property and Jean Grist with Kelly’s Kid’s who is donating some precious Spring/Summer outfits to the children. I’m sure we’ll be thanking so many more in the future!
So let’s get Smarty, my friends! This family sure could use us!
7 comments
I was driving past their street the day of the fire and said many a prayer for them, not even knowing who it was whose life was changing drastically that very moment. I am so glad CSP has reached out to this family! I am sure many readers will be more than willing to help support them, including my family! J. Walsh
Do you think that Mr. Food would be able to donate some of their meals, the 11th meal? Just a thought also. My heart goes out to this family, I was a child when we had a house fire and didn’t understand but it really hits my heart. Thanks for posting this!
I think this is a great idea, but for those of us who are a little strapped for cash these days is there anything we can donate? We can definately spare some of our things to help them get back on their feet.
Jen,Can they open a bank account where we can donate. Even $5 or $10 here and there would help them. They did this when the 2 managers of Moe’s on East Boulevard were killed. Where are they living now? Sam
On behalf of Steve and Megan I want to thank everyone who has helped the Kiser family in any way. The response from neighbors and friends has been overwhelming to say the least. It has been awesome to see the generosity from even complete strangers. As was already mentioned they have a place to stay. It is completely furnished down to sheets and towels. It even has a crib and some toys for the kids. For this reason the family isn’t in need of furniture and other large items right now. If you would like to donate items, children’s books and DVDs are things that the family could use. Thanks for helping Jen and CSP! It is much appreciated!Katie Coleman (Steve Kiser’s sister)
Will donate some CD’s for sure. Brings back memories of all my family and friends who lost so much b/c of Katrina. Thanks for letting us know how we can help.
This is Chip and Cindy of Mr Food no-fuss Meals. We want to thank CSP for letting us know who to contact so we can help. We will be glad to provide meals as the Kisers need them during the near term and also through the rebuilding process. Their family is in our prayers.