BRATTLEBORO — The Windham County Heat Fund has announced the creation of a special fund to raise money for Peter Diamondstone and Doris Lake, who lost their home of 44 years in West Brattleboro to an early morning fire on July 3.
Not only was their home a total loss, but all of their possessions were destroyed in the fire.
“Peter and Doris are well known in the local community, as well as throughout Vermont,” said Heat Fund co-director Richard Davis.
“Unfortunately, they did not have homeowners' insurance. Although it is too early for them to decide whether or not to build a new house, it is clear they will need a lot of help to rebuild their lives,” he said.
Davis said donations of items are not practical at this time, but the Heat Fund will help collect funds for them to meet the many expenses they now face.
To contribute to the fund, send a check to the Windham County Heat Fund, in care of Richard Davis, 679 Weatherhead Hollow Road, Guilford, VT 05301 and write “Diamondstone Fire” in the memo section.
Donations may also be made directly to the fund at the Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Davis said. For more information, contact Davis at rbdav@comcast.net of 802-254-2240.
The Diamondstone family has also set up an email account, dorisandpetercoulduse@gmail.com, to serve as a contact point for helping the couple.
“They left their flaming home with the clothes on their backs, their dog, their beautiful spirits, and much gratitude to be alive,” said Jess Diamondstone of her parents in a post on iBrattleboro.com late last week. “Figuring out how to proceed is coming slowly, but one thing is for sure - your help is and will be a tremendous blessing to us as we move forward in cleaning up the aftermath of the fire and begin rebuilding a home for Doris and Peter.”