Columbia Falls family needs help after fire

The Daily Inter Lake

A Columbia Falls family needs help after a fire destroyed most of their belongings last Wednesday.

Mike and Lisa Theabolt and their three children have "barely nothing left," according to Sue Salsbury, after the fire hit the home they were renting at 1028 Nucleus Ave.

Salsbury, who is Mike Theabolt's sister, said an account has been established at Parkside Federal Credit Union for donations to the Theabolts.

In addition, Salsbury is taking donations of everything from furniture to clothes for the family, which includes children ages 19, 14 and 10.

People may contact her at 257-9265 or drop donations at her home at 450 Wishart Road.

The Red Cross provided initial help with food and clothes for the family, but now "they need everything," Salsbury said.

"They're starting all over, that's the tough part," Salsbury said.

The family managed to get out of the home ahead of the fire, Salsbury said, although one of their dogs died.

The Theabolts were renting the house but had no renters' insurance.

They are staying with Salsbury until they can find a new place to live.