PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Portsmouth business kicked off another effort to support a Portsmouth family who lost three people in a house fire earlier this month. The fire on March 8th killed 37-year-old Aria Williams and her two young children.
Relatives said Williams tried saving her two children, 4-year-old Lamar White Jr. and two-year-old Ellay White. They both died from their injuries days later.
“It could have been any of us,” said Drea Hunt, an employee with the Portsmouth restaurant Guava.
Hunt said the deadly fire on Neville Street in Portsmouth pulled at the community’s heartstrings.
“Being that she’s so close. She was in the Portsmouth area. We’re in Portsmouth and some of our customers knew her personally.”
Two other adults and Williams’ newborn grandchild made it out of the fire alive. Officials said the fire started by a candle lit near window curtains.
The incident compelled Hunt and other community members to step in and help.
“It’s something that you don’t hear about that happens right there,” she said.
Guava collected items for the surviving victims on Sunday. This is the business’ second effort to get the family the things they need.
“The outpour of people wanting to still give, that’s why we thought it was a need to have something else set up for them who didn’t get a chance to give the last time,” she said.
They’re looking for baby supplies, hygiene products, clothes and much more. Hunt said the community’s support is overwhelming.
“It just lets you know that there’s still good in the world,” Hunt said.
Hunt said they are in contact with the family. She said the family is grateful for the helping hand.
“They’re really nice people," she said. "I think we’ve kind of grew a little mini relationship.”
The collection drive ends at 4 p.m. on Sunday. However, Hunt said the business will accept donations afterward.
