BEAR GAP - "It's the best Christmas we ever had."
That statement comes from Daniel Anderson, whose family lost everything they own in a Dec. 18 fire at their Bear Gap home, but are forever grateful for the outpouring of love, support and donations they have received from relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates and even strangers in the community.
"I can't ever repay the people for their kindness and generosity," said the 47-year-old Anderson whose family is currently renting a three-bedroom home near their former residence at 124 Wynn School Road. The rented property, which is owned by a Texas man, is located approximately one mile east of All Saints Cemetery.
Anderson, his 44-year-old wife, Linda, and their two children, Logan, 17, and Laken, had resided with relatives or friends prior to finding a new home.
When asked about the fire's effect on his family, particularly so close to Christmas, Anderson stated, "It's the best Christmas we ever had. We've met friends we didn't know we had, and perfect strangers have been so kind and generous to us. For every bad person you see out there, there are thousands of good people."
One example of the incredible support his family has received came when a stranger overheard a recent conversation about the fire between Anderson and another person at Sovereign Bank in Elysburg. "This guy just heard us talking about the fire, put some money in an envelope and gave it to me and said, 'Merry Christmas.'"
Anderson added, "People have made us comfortable in dealing with the tragedy by just being there for us. Our children are coping with the fire pretty well so close to Christmas."
Anderson, whose children are students in Southern Columbia Area School District, said his son's friends and classmates attempted to save whatever belongings they could for the family while the house was burning, and volunteered to clean up debris from the fire.
"The entire school district and community have been unbelievable," he said. "It's been an amazing and overwhelming experience. There are so many people who care about others in the community and that's why I would never leave here."
Anderson is a maintenance employee at Bucknell University, while his wife works for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
"Our employers also have been great to us," he said.
Anderson, who hopes to build a new home, said, "We had nothing but the clothes on our backs when the fire hit, but we feel so blessed despite the tragedy because of the support we have been given. We've received so many cards, food, prayers, clothes, gift cards and monetary donations within a day after the fire that have meant so much to us. You cannot understand what we've been given unless you have been in our position. I just want people to know how grateful we are for everything and I hope people have the best Christmas possible."