Victim from fire identified; help set for teen
By John Joyce
Published in News on August 26, 2014 1:46 PM
The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross has reached out to the 12-year-old boy injured in a house fire that claimed the life of his mother Monday.
Sharon Kascsak, 51, 133 Bass Lake Drive, was killed when her mobile home caught fire at 6:57 a.m. Her son, a Mount Olive Middle School student, was able to escape by kicking out an air conditioning unit and climbing through his bedroom window.
He was treated at Wayne Memorial Hospital for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
"He lost everything. He lost his mother, his home, everything," Red Cross CEO Tammy Forrester said.
The Red Cross was able to give the family money for food, money for clothing and shoes, and money for bedding.
It was not a lot, she said.
And they are going to need more.
Mrs. Forrester said she did not yet have clothing sizes for the boy, but that she would be getting in contact with the family again either Wednesday or Thursday.
"The boy is 12 years old, and he is a tall 12-year-old," she said.
Anybody from the community wishing to donate is welcome to, Mrs. Forrester said, but it is best to donate gift cards from local merchants or from Walmart.
"Gift cards fit every size and meet every need," she said.
As for living arrangements, the boy has gone to live with his grandfather in Mount Olive. The move might become permanent, Mrs. Forrester said.
"They could use some support, some help. And we will reach out to the school," she added.
Anyone interested in donating to the family can contact Mrs. Forrester and the Wayne County Chapter of the Red Cross at 919-648-8445.
"That is the Red Cross cell phone, it is on 24 hours a day and I am available anytime," she said.