EAST KINGSTON – Chief Ed Warren reports that, thanks to significant generosity by community members, the East Kingston Fire Department raised $7,300 to assist a family that lost its home in a storm earlier this year.
On April 4, at about 8 a.m., a 70-foot-long pine tree branch fell onto a trailer home on Depot Road during a Nor’easter, bringing with it thousands of pounds of debris. Homeowners Dave Scaggell and Jennie Wadleigh, along with their cat, were inside and narrowly escaped injury. The home was declared a total loss.
Chief Warren and other first responders opened the station as a donation center and were quickly able to provide Scaggell and Wadleigh $500, clothing, pet food, and other home supplies.
The fundraising continued, though.
On Monday, July 8, the Department invited Scaggell and Wadleigh back to the station and presented them with a check for $7,300, along with more pet food, clothing, and supplies.
Scaggell and Wadleigh are currently living with family.
“The way our community responded reminds us of what a special place East Kingston is,” Chief Warren said. “We even had two children donate their allowance. People step up, no matter what their own needs are, to help someone less fortunate.”
Chief Warren wishes to thank the first responders and Department Administrator Heather Desmond for their efforts in supporting a family in need.
Jennie Wadleigh and Dave Scaggell accept donations raised by the East Kingston Fire Department from Chief Ed Warren. (Photo Courtesy East Kingston Fire Department) 
A 70-foot tree branch crushed this mobile home on Depot Road in April. The East Kingston Fire Department raised $7,500 to assist the owners. (Photo Courtesy East Kingston Fire Department)