By Shelley Smith
ssmith@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — In just one day after the fire that destroyed the home of Terry and Veronica Thomas, the community has rallied to help them.
Fellow church members and pastor, the Rev. Nilous Avery, are calling them nonstop. They are getting them food and clothing. And they’re showing them a lot of love.
Avery of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church said the church will be a designated drop-off spot for clothing and household items for the family.
The church, located at 1920 Shirley St., is opening its doors to donations from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and all day on Sunday. Church members and staff will be available throughout the day on Saturdays.
“As a church we pray for them, but we’ve got to do more for them because they can’t eat prayer,” Avery said. “We already have people in place making sure they’re being fed. And also have people helping the children.”
On Friday, Veronica said her children are still having trouble coping with the loss of their childhood home.
“But they’re doing a little better because I told them that it’s just stuff and it’s going to be replaced,” Veronica said. “And they’re OK.”
The family was going to dinner with several pastors Friday night, and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist is cooking another dinner for them on Sunday.
“I have a chaplain friend that’s been with me every step of the way, going to pick up my kids, and doing everything that I can’t do,” Veronica said. “So we have a good support system and everything’s good.”
Next week the family is going to look at a temporary residence to stay in until their house is rebuilt. The family has insurance.
“We just want to let everyone know that we really appreciate everything that people are doing,” Veronica said. “We appreciate everybody’s thoughts and prayers in our time of disaster.”
Clothing needed
• Terry Thomas: 3X shirts and size 48 pants, size 11 shoes.
• Veronica Thomas: 2X shirts and size 20 pants, 10 shoes.
• 20-year-old daughter: medium shirts and size 7 pants, size 7 shoes.
• 16-year-old daughter: medium shirts and size 5 pant, size 7 shoes.
• 16-year-old son: large shirts, 32-by-30 pants, size 10 shoes.