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Community Joins To Aid Fire Victims

Tribune photo by YVETTE C. HAMMETT

Larry Bunkley, left, his fianceé, Tina Henderson and their three-month old daughter, Lilly, were left homeless after a grease fire gutted their kitchen and smoke destroyed nearly everything they owned.

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: January 12, 2009

RIVERVIEW - Larry Bunkley and Tina Henderson figured they had a couple of more months before they had to find a new home, with foreclosure pending on the house they shared with their baby girl off Simmons Loop Road.

But a grease fire Jan. 5 forced them out early.

Standing outside their damaged house wearing clothes donated by the Emergency Care Help Organization in Brandon, Bunkley and Henderson wondered what the future will hold.

With the loss of most of their possessions, the engaged couple spent four nights in a hotel room offered by the Red Cross, then retreated to Henderson's grandfather's house temporarily.

The family dog, Peanut, is staying in the fenced-in yard behind the house for now. The couple doesn't know if they'll find a place to accommodate themselves and their dog.

The community is reaching out to Bunkley, a former Marine, and his fiancee - both still in shock over the events.

Neighbors Paula and John Shepherd were there almost immediately to help care for the baby, Lily, while the couple lived through a chaotic evening.

"Just when you think everything is bad, people like this come out of the woodwork to help you," Henderson said.

The Riverview Chamber of Commerce has sent a request to members asking for any help they can provide.

"The main thing, after getting help from ECHO and the Red Cross, is we need to find a place we can afford to live," Bunkley said.

WANT TO HELP?

Ruskin businesswoman Stacy Self has agreed to serve as a clearinghouse for any help the community might offer. To assist with cash donations or to offer any other assistance, contact Self at stacyself@hotmail.com.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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