Fire displaces Blackville family

A Blackville family lost their home in an early-morning fire Sunday, Dec. 7, leaving them displaced just weeks before Christmas.

According to family members, the fire broke out around 4:45 a.m. at a residence located at 1156 Oak Ave. The home belonged to Grover Mays Jr., who lived there with his girlfriend, Charlotte Glover, and his son, Maurice Rivers.

Bettie Salley, the homeowner’s aunt, said the family lost nearly everything in the fire, including clothing and personal belongings. Two vehicles on the property were also damaged.

“They need clothes, shoes and financial support. His two vehicles got damaged also,” Salley said, before listing the family’s clothing sizes for anyone wishing to donate.

• Grover Mays: Pants 36x34, 2XL shirts (long or short sleeve), shoe size 13
  
  
• Maurice Rivers: Large shirts, pants 34x34, shoe size 13
  
  
• Charlotte Glover: Women’s pants 18–20, blouse size XL (long or short sleeve), shoe size 8.5
  

Salley added that the fire report noted a “total loss” and that the fire began in the master bedroom, but she said it did not specify how it started.

The family is currently seeking community support as they work to replace essential items and secure temporary housing. A GoFundMe has been created to assist with recovery efforts: https://gofund.me/b13872bb9.