CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A northeast Charlotte family who lost everything in a house fire July 29 was overjoyed Saturday after they found out the community rallied to raise money for them.
The night of the fire, they were brought to tears when they found out their dog, Snowball, survived the blaze.
The fire happened just before 10 p.m. at a house along Wrayhill Drive.
Crews on scene said much of the fire burned the second floor and near the garage. Charlotte Fire said it took 23 firefighters to control the fire in 15 minutes.
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No one was hurt in the fire, but firefighters rescued the family's dog from the home. Snowball is doing fine, family members said.
Following the fire, a family friend organized a cookout and donation drive for the family.
People donated household items, clothes and money, which was given to them on Saturday.
“They are the kindest family in the world and my heart just went out, and I just felt like I needed to do something to help them out,” friend Angela Greene said.
Channel 9 was also there a couple of weeks ago as the joy of finding their beloved pet brought them to tears.
"I'm sorry bro, I'm so so sorry," one of the homeowners said. "I should've never left you in there man, should have never left you in there."
The dog appeared to be OK after being rescued from the home.
Neighbors told Channel 9 the homeowners took the dog to the vet to get him checked out.
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CFD said five adults and four children were displaced because of the fire and the Red Cross will be helping them.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.