CROSBY, Texas – Darrell Martin is a single father of three boys, ages 16, 14 and 8.
Life is busy enough, but it went to another level Saturday when their Crosby home was destroyed by fire, just a week before Christmas.
It happened early in the afternoon, while everyone was inside.
"The kids were at the house. One of them broke through a window to get out. The rest of them made their way out the door," Martin's brother, Thomas Rogers, said.
They all got out safely, except for four little kittens. Rogers said they're grateful that nobody got hurt, but it's a hard hit right before the holidays with everything they own, even their Christmas gifts, now gone.
"He's got nothing. He has nothing left. I did this morning on a whim," Rogers said.
Rogers has started a GoFundMe account. He said he can't get his brother's home back, but he can still help. He is hoping to make the holidays a little easier for the devastated family.
"It's Christmas time. Nobody should have to go through losing everything they own during this time of year. He's already struggling as a single parent, fighting to give his kids what every other kid on Earth would like to have at Christmas," Rogers said.
Rogers said they are asking for any and all donations, including food, clothes, and gift for the boys. You can reach him by email at thomasr9696@gmail.com.
You can also contribute online, through: https://www.Gofundme.Com/martin-family-house-fire.