ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - People in Roanoke continue to send thoughts, prayers and support to a family affected by a deadly house fire. In the early morning hours of March 19, Tom and Lindsay McKinnon's home caught fire. Their two children, Patrick and Logan, died at the scene. Friends have set up fundraising efforts to help the family through a difficult time. In less than 3 days, more than $80,000 in donations were pledged.
Friends said Tom and Lindsay were taken to a hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to recover. Meanwhile, people in Roanoke are keeping the McKinnon's in their thoughts.
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In an effort to help the families affected, the community established online fundraisers.
https://www.youcaring.com/tom-and-lindsay-mckinnon-541685
https://www.youcaring.com/christy-montoya-541733
Friends said the money raised will help pay medical bills and expenses for the McKinnons and the Montoyas, a family visiting from Virginia Beach when the fire happened.
"The foundations and trust are being established right now" said Jared Rigby, close friend to the McKinnons. "Those monies are going to go into the trust for each of the families that way they will have access to the money."
Jared Rigby said he met Tom and Lindsay McKinnon nearly 20 years ago. He was speechless when thinking about what happened to the family.
"Prayers, support and positive energy," said Rigby. I know that is what they need right now".
In addition to money, people are also offering emotional support. Friends are encouraging people to stop by "Sweet Donkey" in Roanoke to write encouraging words to the family and leave them in a box to send to the family. Many hope the heartfelt messages bring comfort to Tom and Lindsay.
Firefighters said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.