NORMAL -- A family that lost all their possessions to fire has found itself showered with community kindness.

The Hector Navarro family -- displaced after an Aug. 24 fire at 304 E. Vernon Ave. -- has received a rent-free six-month housing lease, donated appliances and furniture, gift cards, and more from strangers and friends alike.

"It's hard to believe -- it's been surprising," Navarro said. "There's people still coming to us with things. We just want to thank everyone."

The ISU Credit Union is providing the temporary home. The bank's insurer, LA Blanchette, is throwing in a year's worth of rental insurance.

"It's a home we're waiting to put on the market," said Paul Gaumer, credit union vice president, about the two-story at 806 W. Monroe, Bloomington. "For us, to be able to insure an empty home is actually more expensive," he said. "And the Navarros have been very grateful. They want to return the favor and are helping us fix it up.

"What's been amazing is watching the businesses and organizations jump in to help," said Gauman.

As word spread, more help came: One credit union member donated a washing machine and dryer; a colleague gave a refrigerator.

The Navarros and their six children were tenants of the Normal home, but lacked insurance. The family likely lost about $70,000 worth of belongings, according to the Normal Fire Department, which blamed a kitchen appliance on the electrical fire.

The American Red Cross of the Heartland provided immediate help, but the family spent the next few weeks scrambling.

Camille Taylor, a Normal Community High School guidance counselor who knows some of the family's children who attend NCHS, e-mailed her colleagues to alert them of the tragedy.

Soon the networking found Taylor in contact with people affiliated with United Auto Workers Local 2488, Top Nails, Colene Hoose Elementary, Chiddix Junior High, State Farm Insurance Cos., Illinois State University, and more.

"It has demonstrated how helpful people can be. There's been an ongoing response, a pay-it-forward mentality," said Taylor.

One NCHS staff member volunteered to buy a stove, a State Farm employee donated a dishwasher, and other material filled carts outside Taylor's office.

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How to help

Illinois State University students have organized a fundraiser to help the victims of an Aug. 24 fire on Vernon Avenue.

What: Fell Hall Call to Action: A bake sale and donation drive for the Navarros

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through Sept. 18.

Where: Fell Hall, ISU campus

Info: e-mail cmdoman@ilstu.edu