Community rallies around Lehigh Acres family after Christmas Day fire destroys home

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

A Christmas Day fire destroyed a family home in Lehigh Acres, leaving them with little more than what they could salvage from the burned structure now marked by caution tape, boarded windows and a gaping hole in the roof.

Fire officials say the fire was caused by an unintentional electrical failure.

For the Elrods, the loss was overwhelming. Nearly everything they had worked for was destroyed, including one of their four dogs. Three dogs survived and are reported to be doing well.

“It’s been hard, but overwhelming,” said homeowner Brittany Elrod. “Especially with the dogs.”

Overwhelming, she said, in more ways than one, but in a good way.

After news of the fire spread, support poured in from across the community and beyond, much of it driven by social media. Elrod said donations came quickly — sometimes faster than the family could manage.

“People are trying to get me household items, and I really appreciate that,” she said. “But I have nowhere to put that.”

She added that the family has received so many clothing donations that she has asked people to slow down.

One of those moved to help was Kristen Bennett, a Lehigh Acres resident who had never met the Elrods. After seeing coverage of the fire, Bennett searched for the family on Facebook.

“This family needs to know they’re not alone in this and the community has their back,” Bennett said.

Within hours, people were offering furniture, toys and other household items. While grateful, Elrod said the family’s greatest need right now is stability.

“They need those things, absolutely,” she said. “But what they need most is a roof over their head.”

For now, the family is staying with Elrod’s mother-in-law. Their two children are set to return to school Jan. 6, and the local school district is helping with uniforms and supplies.

Elrod said the outpouring of support has been difficult to put into words.

“For everybody to be saying, ‘Let us help you,’ appreciative isn’t even the word,” she said. “If there’s something better than that word, that’s what I am.”

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