A family with deep roots in South County lost almost everything they owned when their home burned down last week, and those who know them have begun to rally support from the community to help them get back on their feet.
Josselyn Aguayo, 17, said the only salvageable items from the Jan. 22 fire at her home on Moreno Lane, near the intersection of New Avenue just east of U.S. 101 and north of the Gilroy city limits, were some photographs and her parents’ old love letters that are about 25 years old.
Josselyn, a senior at Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, lived at the home with her parents; her 26-year-old sister; and her sister’s two young children – a 6-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl. Josselyn also has two brothers, but they did not live at the Moreno Lane home, Josselyn said.
The family has lived at the home for about five years, Josselyn said.
Fire engines and personnel from CalFire, Gilroy, South Santa Clara County and Morgan Hill fire departments responded to the fire at about 10:30 a.m., according to CalFire Battalion Chief Jim Crawford.
The house was a “total loss” because of the fire, which also destroyed two vehicles nearby, Crawford said.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation, he added.
The Aguayos have been living in a hotel since the fire, with some assistance from the American Red Cross and community members, Josselyn said.
The family has many relatives who reside throughout Morgan Hill, explained Sobrato High School counselor Edie Atkins, who has helped organize efforts to gather donations, clothing, furniture and other items for the Aguayos since their home burned down.
The donation effort’s goal is to raise not only enough money for the Aguayos’ immediate needs such as clothing and food, but enough to move the family back into a permanent home and help them get started in a new residence, Atkins explained. The Aguayos have been staying in a hotel since the fire.
Atkins described Josselyn as a “great kid,” a bright student and a generous person who is always helping her fellow students, whether it’s through her involvement in Sobrato’s Interact club; spending her time at lunch or after school tutoring her classmates; or organizing fundraising efforts to help those outside the school.
“She’s very sweet. She offers free peer tutoring, and she gives extra help to the underclassmen,” Atkins said. “It’s just really sad to see someone who is wearing this bright smile, and she is just devastated.”
Josselyn added she has volunteered at Saint Louise Regional Hospital since she was 14, and is a catechism teacher at Saint Mary’s Parish in Gilroy. She has also volunteered at the Wheeler Manor senior citizen home in Gilroy.
Josselyn has already applied to colleges and universities to attend next fall, and is eagerly waiting for replies. She wants to study biology, and is thinking about going into medicine.
The effort to help the Aguayos has extended even to people who do not know them. The Morgan Hill Rotary Club raised about $1,200 for the family at a recent meeting, Atkins said.
Morgan Hill resident Karina Kingman heard about the fire from Atkins, who is a friend of hers.
“They are the type of family that would usually be on the other side of this,” Kingman said. “They are very giving, involved people. I don’t even know them, but it can happen to any of us.”
Kingman sent out an e-mail to her friends last Friday letting them know of the Aguayos’ situation.
“You would not believe the amount of donations I have collected from friends, and word is starting to catch on,” she said.
On Wednesday, Atkins set up a bank account at Chase in Morgan Hill devoted solely to gather monetary donations for the Aguayo family. To make a donation, visit Chase bank, 17599 Monterey Road, and ask for Marjorie. Checks can be made payable to “Aguayo family” or “Sobrato Home and School Club,” Atkins said. Checks can also be dropped off at Sobrato High School, 401 Burnett Ave.
Josselyn added that she and her family are “thankful and grateful” for all the help being directed their way since their home burned down.
“We have a great support system behind us as we go through this crisis,” Josselyn said. “It kind of takes the weight off our shoulders a little bit. And it shows how strong the Morgan Hill community is and it makes the whole situation a lot better.”
Monetary donations for the Aguayo family, who lost everything they owned when their home burned down last week, can be dropped off at Chase bank, 17599 Monterey Road, in Morgan Hill, or at Sobrato High School’s front offices at 401 Burnett Ave.
