A fire destroyed a home in Troy early Sunday morning, but it also kindled a generous spirit that has people reaching out to help a young mother and her two children.

A fire destroyed this home in Troy early Sunday morning. Lincoln County Fire Protection District Photo

Barry Nuss, a fire marshal with the Lincoln County Fire Protection District, said the blaze started about 6 a.m. Sunday in the 300 block of Turkey Roost Drive. No one was home at the time, Nuss said, and fire and heavy black smoke were pouring from the roof when firefighters arrived.

Nuss said the fire’s cause is still under investigation. The house and its contents — including Christmas presents for a 2-year-old girl and and 8-year-old boy — were destroyed. Among them were Dora the Explorer and Nintendo Wii games. The losses totaled more than $180,000, Nuss said.

The 28-year-old mother of the two children was on her way home from work when she learned about the fire.

Firefighters and police decided they wanted to help the woman and her family, Nuss said, so the fire district, the Troy Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department have been seeking a place for the woman and her children to live as well as furnishings for the house and gifts for Christmas. Several local businesses already have donated to the effort, Nuss said.

Nuss said the little boy had a conversation with Santa after the blaze and asked for two things — his house back and a Christmas tree.

“We can’t give him his house back, but we’re going to give him a good Christmas,” Nuss said.

Anyone who wants to donate money can do so at this address:

Amanda Thomas Family
c/o People’s Bank
P.O. Box G.
Troy, MO 63379

Nuss said the fire district also is accepting donations of money and staples like towels, curtains and toiletries. The firehouse is located at 700 East Cherry Street in Troy.