By MADDY VITALE
The Pinkerton family lost their beloved family pets and all of their belongings when lightning struck their Upper Township home Saturday night.
Chloe Pinkerton, 16, is an Ocean City High School student, and her sister, Cora, 11, is also a student in the district. Neither the girls, nor their father, Tony, or grandmother, Linda, were home at the time of the 8 p.m. fire.
The home was located on Stagecoach Road in Upper Township's Palermo section. Firefighters battled the blaze, but the home was fully engulfed. The Pinkertons' two dogs died in the fire.
Angela Schweibinz, who could not be reached for comment, wants to help the Pinkertons. She set up a GoFundMe page for the Pinkertons to help them rebuild their lives.
By Friday afternoon, more than $13,000 was raised by the community and the amount kept climbing, far exceeding the original goal of $2,500.
“Unfortunately, the longtime Pinkerton residence in Palermo was struck by lightning and ignited a horrific fire that burned for some time before neighbors noticed the intense flames that gutted the home,” Schweibinz wrote in her description on the GoFundMe page.
She said the family received a “tragic call that their home was engulfed.”
“They were absolutely devastated and broken hearted to learn that their family pets were lost in the fire,” she wrote. “The home was a total loss, and all possessions were destroyed.”
Schweibinz, who describes herself as a family member but does not specify her relationship to the Pinkertons in the GoFundMe page, said the goal of the fundraiser is to help provide necessities for the girls for the upcoming school year, provide beds, bedding and bath linens.
“Both girls are worried about not having clothes and shoes and all of the things you would expect to start school with,” she said in the post. “We have reassured them they will be day 1 ready!!!!”
Small comforts from home, such as a hairbrush, hair ties and other items that were lost, are needed, she said.
“We want to support the family during this very difficult and traumatic time and try to ease the burden while they are rebuilding their home and lives. We are hoping that our community can come together and support,” Schweibinz added.
In addition to the GoFundMe page, there will be a benefit for the family at the “Pinkerton Family Cheesesteak Fundraiser” on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Star Lodge #65 Free & Accepted Masons from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Tuckahoe.
While there is sadness with the loss of the family’s two pets and their home and belongings, Schweibinz said on the GoFundMe page that the family wishes to express thanks to emergency personnel.
She wrote, “On behalf of the family, we would like to send our warmest and most sincere gratitude to all of the first responders -- local and supporting fire companies, State Police, rescue personnel and neighbors for their bravery and dedication for what they do.”
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/pinkerton-family-fire
