By Maggie Nixon Managing Editor
Tragedy has struck twice in our local area as previously reported in the Pilot News.
Julie Diangikis and her seven boys were left without a home after a fire started in a clothes dryer this week in Argos.
Rebecca Cromey and her two boys were also left without a home after a fire gutted their home last week in Hamlet.
Both families were renters and have lost all they had, including furniture, appliances, and household and personal items.
As sad of a situation as this is, there is hope. In addition to the Marshall County Red Cross, local businesses are asking for your assistance in helping these families get back on their feet. The families could also use cash donations to replace hygiene items, undergarments and more.

Diangikis’ children, — Ryan, 12; Braxton, 10; Donald, 8; Jimmy, 6; Chris, 5; Landen, 4; and Kyle, 18 months — are in need of not only clothes, but other childhood items including toys, blankets, etc.
Clothing sizes for the boys are 18 month, 4T, 5, 6, 8-10, and 12-14. Shoe sizes are children’s 4, 9 10, 12, and boys’ 1, 4 and 6.
The mother wears a size 6 pants, a small or medium shirt and a size 8 shoe.
The Edward D. Jones office on Oak Road in Plymouth is accepting donations for the Dian-gikis family.
Diangikis’ grandmother, Lisa Plantz is an employee at Edward Jones.
Any donations can be made at the Marshall County Red Cross office, 215 W. Garro St., Plymouth or at the Edward D. Jones office,560 N. Oak Rd., Plymouth.
Cromey’s children — Tyler, 12, and Barry (“Bubby”), 4 — are also in need of items appropriate to their ages.
The mother is in need of clothing, size 8-9.
Wendy Hudson at Fast Teks Computer Service can be reached at 574-621-0135. Items for the Hamlet family can be brought to the business at 14478 Crest Lane. You can also contact Angie Stults at 574-935-4108 for information or help.
Both families are in need of all sorts of household items to start over, including washers and dryers, refrigerators, beds, dres-sers, living room furniture, towels, blankets, kitchen tables and chairs, and more. The families could also use cash donations to replace hygiene items, undergarments and more.