Community aids family who lost home to fire

MINSTER - The community is showing overwhelming support to a family whose home was destroyed in a massive fire early Monday morning.

The David and Anne Puthoff family's two-story farmhouse on Wells Road near Minster and their possessions were destroyed in the blaze. Now people are donating clothing and money to help the displaced family get back on their feet.

Emmy's Bridal, Minster, began accepting donations Monday and has already gathered three loads of clothing, said Lori Rindler, who co-owns the shop with Anne Puthoff.

"We're overwhelmed by the support of the community and the amount of clothing that we have received so far," Rindler said.

The store stopped accepting clothing but will continue to accept cash and gift card donations for the family, she said.

A fund for the family also was created at Minster Bank.

The house was declared a total loss, and the cause of the fire is still unknown, Minster-Jackson Township Fire Department Chief Dale Dues said. The fire occurred about 4 a.m.; Minster-Jackson Township was assisted by nine other fire departments, Dues said.   

All eight family members were able to get out safely thanks to smoke alarms, he said.

Puthoff family members were unavailable for comment.