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10-Year-Old West Fire Evacuee Collects Donations For Victims

The Alpine girl and her family are accepting everything from clothing to toys

When Sydney Loughlin, 10, looked out the window of her Alpine home on Friday, it was terrifying. 

"There were just red flames and black smoke," recalled Sydney a few days after. "We had to evacuate our house." 

Sydney, her parents, and five siblings had only five minutes to leave their home and go to a hotel in Santee. 

"We just grabbed some clothes, grabbed some pictures because those mean a lot to us, and got the animals," said Sydney. 

The Loughlin home was fine, but Sydney realized some of her friends' homes were destroyed in the West Fire. 

"When we found out houses burned down, we were disappointed and sad for those people," said Sydney. 

On Monday, Sydney, her mom, and her 8-year-old sister, Chloe, set up a tent and collected donations from over 50 people. The word got out through social media and neighbors. 

"We're collecting tools, shoes, and clothes because we like helping our community," said Chloe. 

Sydney said she hopes the donations will allow families to get back on their feet. 

The family added if you don't know what to donate, gift cards to Walmart and Home Depot help. 

They say they will give the donations directly to local families.

If you would like to donate, you can drop off items and gift cards at the Boulder Oak Elementary School auditorium on Tavern Road in Alpine.

Or click here to learn more on the family's business Facebook page.   

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