Community helping Lehigh Acres teacher, family after house fire

A Lehigh Acres family of six is safe today after a fire tore through their home, but they’re dealing with the loss of many of their belongings.

The fire caused extensive damage to the garage and a truck in the driveway. A restoration company at the Damen Street home on Tuesday said the house is unsafe to walk in.

Kimberly Alvarez is a teacher at Lehigh Senior High School, where she teaches underperforming students. She’s also a mom for four kids, ranging in age from six to 11.

Amy Szafran, assistant principal at the school, said the Lehigh Senior community is doing their part to help Alvarez and her family.

“One of our teachers went to the house and dropped off some toiletries for the kids and one of the little boys was so excited to get a toothbrush because he didn’t know how he was going to brush his teeth before he went to bed,” Szafran said.

A GoFundMe has been established for the family.

“I have students that are donating to it, not just because they love this teacher but because they’re part of a family and they know what it’s like when you need something.”

The Red Cross is also helping.

The family is staying at a friend’s home while they figure out where to go next.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it is initially believed to be electric-related.