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Highlands Today

Delarosa Family Gets A New Start

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By GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: December 7, 2008

SEBRING - When Albert Delarosa, Sonia Vasquez and their three children were burned out of their home last week, the Highlands County community responded by giving the family everything they needed to get a new start.

"They got furniture, clothing, TVs, toys, a washer and dryer. They dropped off stuff at my place. One person sent them a check for $500," said American Red Cross director Art Harriman.
Usher and Highpoint furniture stores delivered new living room pieces, Harriman said. "Churches, scads of individuals, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army. The community responded very nicely. They got everything they needed. And I want to thank the community for their great response. Both the businesses and individuals."
Harriman estimated the Red Cross received about four dozen phone calls.

"I kept telling people, this is not the collection point. I'm just taking the information and giving it to the family," Harriman said. "Some people insisted. They just showed up anyway, at our doorstep, and dropped off bedding, high chairs, furniture, whatever, at the front office. The family took it all.

"It was just a tremendous response from the community, I'm telling you," Harriman said.

Gary Pinnell can be reached at gpinnell@highlandstoday.com or 863 386-5828

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